Before you go to Tommy's Dinner: One caveat for you. The tables are so close together that it's almost communal seating. There's no sense of privacy here at all, so if you've got any juicy personal issues to discuss, be aware that your neighbors will most likely be all up in your business. Anyways, when I asked for recommendations for great fish and chips, Aaron A. replied to the talk thread: "Tommy's Diner on Broad St. has a KILLER fish basket on Wednesdays." So I have a Veteran Yelper's recommendation, "Killer" in caps, it's Wednesday and I'm hungry for fish and chips...Let's do it! $7.95 gets you a very generous portion. Now they aren't what I would call fish and chips as in a traditional Irish pub style fish and chips, but they are a really great diner type fried fish and fries. Breading was crispy and crunchy with a really fresh tasting whitefish inside. The fries were very good too. The Cole slaw was alright, needed a splash of vinegar. The tartar sauce was house made excellence. Only thing missing was Guinness, which they don't serve.
(4)
Robyn H.
This was the second stop on our diner tour and what a great stop it was. Tommy's diner was packed and we now know why. We had 7 people in our party and they set up a table for us and immediately we sat. We all had different meals and we were all equally happy with our choices. We will definitely be back!!
(4)
Zack R.
Pretty solid breakfast for me and a couple other people. The place was packed full of neighborhood regulars. I think we were the only people that didn't know everyone in the place, not that this was a bad thing. Everybody was just in really good spirits and talking to each other. The owner seemed to know everyone as well. He was a really nice guy. The food was decent. My biscuits tasted a little Bisquick-y, but the gravy was really tasty. My sister had scrambled eggs on an English muffin with cheese and some really tasty crispy bacon. The place was packed, but the wait was short. The food was priced reasonably and the staff was friendly.
(4)
Tash L.
What can I say about this place except that it may just be the best diner in town! A family owned and operated restaurant with the friendliest "regulars" you'll ever meet. I'm new to Columbus and our neighbors to the left and right were so sweet - we chatted about the multitude of options on the menu and the other things to see, do and eat in Co-Oh. They even broke out paper and pen to write down other restaurant suggestions! Now back to the restaurant review. The food here was a pleasant surprise. If you're looking for an upscale breakfast with an authentic diner feel - this is the place for you. I had the Eggs Benedict turned Florentine since I don't eat ham and my breakfast companion had the stuffed french toast with pumpkin cream cheese, fresh fruit and homemade whip cream - YUM! The portions were huge and the service here is great. We even met Tommy himself - a hardworking man who has earned customer loyalty through great service and a friendly smile. This place is a must-visit if you haven't been there yet!
(5)
Todd F.
The food selection is unreal! LOVE this place! Come see and you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Tom C.
I was hoping to fine a diner to call my home, what a huge disappointment. The Pastitsio had no flavor and the Bechamel Sauce was not properly cooked. My greek salad was nothing more than lettuce, 1 tomato wedge, 1 slice of cucumber, 2 olives, 1 pepper, a 1/2 tablespoon of Feta. The service was, "Flag me down and maybe I will help you." attitude.
(1)
Jess T.
I recently discovered this place doing some student teaching from a school not far from here. Having driven by it almost every day, I finally asked one of the teachers at my school that is from the area. She told me that Tommy's was one of her favorite places and that I had to check it out. The first time I visited Tommy's I picked up a grilled cheese to go. When I arrived around 12:30, the place was hopping, filled with friends meeting for lunch as well as couples enjoying a milkshake. The decor inside Tommy's makes you feel as though you've stepped back in time to the 1950's, which is pretty awesome. The second time I visited Tommy's, I brought my dad. We sat at a booth and were immediately greeted with water. My dad ordered a sweet tea. As usual, I got a grilled cheese and my dad got pancakes with sausage. He told me that he thoroughly enjoyed every bite. At the end of our lunch, I ordered a chocolate milkshake to go and it was darn good. This place only stays open till about 4 during the week, but serves breakfast all day. Yum!!
(5)
Pao P.
Nice little place to eat breakfast. A little tight but looks very 50's. Has a lot of pictures inside. Got the 2 eggs, sausage and homefries with toast. Waitresses are friendly.
(4)
Tiffany C.
Tommy's knows a thing or two about serving up breakfast to the hungry stomachs of Franklinton and surrounding area. Come in here on a weekend morning and you'll be lucky to grab a seat. They keep this place pretty packed, and I'll admit, I wasn't put away by this place at all. It was actually a decent breakfast. Tommy's is an interesting place. They offer a simple bar selection, but their hours don't go beyond 2-3pm, so for all you hankering for a beer with your Western omelet, this is the place. The inside is neat and looks great. It's definitely not what you'd expect for this side of town, but the booths were a throwback to the overly fantasized 1950's diner, including the black and white flooring, and Elvis and Marilyn Monroe memorabilia. The custom painting of the Elvis downing a cheeseburger with the owner is fantastic! I LOVE IT! You'll also find random pictures of well-known personalities (local and out of towners) posing with the owner. My experience here over-all was great! The service was awesome, the food was timely, and it was delicious. The potatoes were decent, and cooked the way I prefer my breakfast potatoes (not cubed) and the eggs were cooked perfectly... not slimey eggs here. Even the toast was average, but good. It's amazing to come here and people watch. They cater to all walks of life from older folks meeting up before church, to families, to working artists of Franklinton. It's just a good community vibe here, and you'll also see the owner walking about, saying 'Hi' and joshing the locals. I really wouldn't mind becoming a regular here. It's a nice little place for a good hearty breakfast on the shadows of downtown. Worth a stop!
(5)
Steve And Lazz D.
I would not recommend this place to others. The Owner was very rude to me. The waitress took our order and we did not see her again until it was time for the check. When she gave us our check, she noticed that I did not eat my breakfast. I explained to her it was cold when I got it and not what I expected. THe owner then came to my table and said sorry I did not like it, but that i should have ate it, cause he couldn't eat. I was surprised at the remark and offended, so we left. Sounds like TOmmy and his staff has treated other customers with smiling faces, but we did not experience that.
(2)
Taste Budz Z.
DEREK: Tommy's reminds me of the greasy spoon you love to go to when you need your comfort food. Tommy's just does good food and no matter what, your going to enjoy the experience. TROY: It's like God took a Greek Diner from Jersey and plopped it down in C-bus to show what good home cookin' food can be. It's just that when this place opened, the area was thriving and clean and safe and well you get the picture. DEREK: Although I'm glad I don't live in the neighborhood this little diner is located in, I wish I could put it a block or two from my home. Maybe I can talk them into using Efficient Moving to relocate from Broad Street...what do you think Troy? TROY: Ha ha, shameless plug you kiss a$$. DEREK: I ordered a simple fish and chips platter that also came with coleslaw. Coleslaw is just one of those items that only your mom can make well, but Tommy's was just the way I like it. Not the same as what you get at KFC, but it wasn't too creamy or thick. Very good and it complimented the fish and chips. I received a nice portion of fries and fish fillets and it was exactly the comfort food I need. Not foo foo or unusual, just what you expect from a good diner. TROY: I can't pull myself away from ordering breakfast every freakin time I come here! Eggs are good with lots of margarine making them even more unhealthy. The bacon is the absolute way to go, SKIP the sausage cause its not good (my favorite breakfast sausage is Bob Evans) and is like a pork/hamburger amalgamation like a salisbury steak... TROY: But, oh my, the waffle is from heaven. It's that good, and I'm a waffle fanatic so my opinion matters. Some lame places use their pancake batter to try to make a waffle, huh uh! True waffle batter is an art...a science, and Tommy has the secret recipe. No joke, I'm thinking about bringing my own real maple syrup next time to go insane from it. DEREK: Surprise of the visit was the ample parking for downtown location. Troy can I borrow your handicap placard sometime? Yeah... probably not.
(5)
Ann S.
I always start craving Thanksgiving dinner this time of year and can't wait until the actual holiday. I saw this was one of the few places that had it and we'd never been there before. It was pretty crowded even though we went at what we considered an off peak time. Lots of regulars and the table we were told to sit at was so crammed I actually didn't see it. If you're not a fan of communal seating, hope for a booth. The server was super nice (she reminds me of Karla from The Chew/Top Chef) and the owner was nice too. The hubby really liked his grilled ham and cheese and fries. I got my Thanksgiving dinner for lunch and I was hoping it would be better. Everything tasted very canned/boxed. Maybe I'm just picky because I cook every meal so I'm used to home cooking but the gravy was neon yellow and the potatoes tasted like instant. It wasn't horrible but I was hoping for more. I have a feeling breakfast is their specialty so we'll be back to try that.
(3)
Angela I.
I am a diner snob. I have pretty high breakfast standards, and I'm happy to say that Tommy's did not disappoint. Being an out of towner, I took a gamble and chose Tommy's when I came to Columbus thanks to other great reviews on here. The decor was really fun and the place had a casual family vibe. I believe the owner was in the day we went, and he was making his rounds to all the tables, which I appreciated! I ordered the pumpkin pancakes with apple topping and they were out of this world - and the coffee never stopped flowing! Just as a diner should be. I would definitely return in the future.
(4)
Sarah C.
Ummm.....I HATE Tommy's. Please DO NOT go there! The food is awful and the owners scream at their employees in Greek! Hello! No one can understand you! Not even you're employee! I even saw a waitress cry because the beloved "Tommy" was screaming at her! Please do not go here. It's a waste of money and you will have a horrible experience! I even had an egg shell in my eggs and you know what the response was when I informed my waitress(I'm even terrified to even allude to who she was) "Please don't make me tell my boss, he'll fire me!" OMG really????? I didn't eat and still paid for the meal just so this woman could keep her job! Granted, I watched Tommy on her ass the entire time, but shouldn't they be more focused on customer service? Just a thought... I MAY try their other restaurants ,Milo's, the Sate House place, not sure of the official name, Kraft # 5, but I assume their all ran the same...so we'll see....more reviews to come....
(1)
Dan H.
Where to start? I've been coming to Tommy's with three friends for breakfast every Wednesday for the last couple of years, and when I walk in at 6, our table is already set up with coffee cups and water glasses. Denise (who has been working here for 11 years) always knows exactly how we like our breakfast orders, even knows how much coffee each of us prefers, and always can tell if we need something and when we don't. In other words the perfect server! To me, a place might have the most delicious food in town, but if the service is rotten, I'm never going back. A place is only as good as its employees, and this place has got it. Plus, it's fortunate to actually have some of the best food in town!! The biscuits and gravy, the pancakes, the french toast, the eggs, the hash, the specials, oh -- the sweet rolls! .... I always find it hard to decide. Everything is outstanding. An all around awesome place. No wonder it's been around for so long. A visit to Columbus is never complete without a trip to Tommy's.
(5)
Irene S.
We've been going to Tommy's Diner almost every Saturday for years, so that makes us regulars. We have "cheated" on Tom Pappas a few times by going to Cracker Barrel & Bob Evans for breakfast/lunch, and even though their food is decent, they really can't compete with this joint. I believe we've tried most everything on the menu by this point, but my absolute faves are the tuna salad gyro w/sweet potato fries, the potato soup w/fish sandwich on Fridays, and a Greek salad w/Pastichio - an authentic Greek (duh) specialty with heavenly beschamel layers. Ask your waitress for an end piece so you get two crispy sides! My husband really loves the cinnamon swirl pancakes, but he's been ordering lunch items lately to get out of his breakfast rut, and reports that everything he's tried has been top notch. The most positive thing about Tommy's Diner (besides the delicious food) is the sense of community. It's FUN to gather with a bunch of friendly people with happy faces eating great food. Yeah, it does get really loud when the place is humming (especially on Buckeyes football Saturdays), but that just adds to the ambience. Cap City Diner is wonderful as well, but c'mon folks: we all know that ain't a true diner!
(5)
Nick P.
One of my favorite places to eat or just grab some coffee and have a nice conversation
(5)
Stanley Z.
Had a chance to go back when they were open. Cool place, food was great. (SEPT 2012) Might be good...but who would know because Ina one horse town known as Columbus there is no such thing as a diner that's open when people want to eat! Luckily, I have found Fitzy's ......open 24/7. That's where you should go.
(5)
Michael G.
Always a treat! Good diner food, good service, good prices, good people!!
(4)
Anita K.
Breakfast doesn't get any better than this! Definitely get a waffle, you will not be sorry!
(5)
Zeta P.
Loved this place. Total classic diner fare and atmosphere. Seems like a very regulars crowd. It's a little loud as other reviews said but I liked the hub bub of it. Steak and eggs with a perfect sunny side up totally cured me from the one too many cocktails blues. Hubs loved his eggs benedict ....Greasy spoon goodness:)
(5)
Kyle J.
I love diner food. This place is so cool. Full of all kinds of different people, I've gone here for lunch twice now. I always get the potato soup when it's available. I add cheese and bacon which they crisp to death (just the way I like it) and mix it with some crackers. I've also had omelettes and a gyro which both are quite tasty. For a diner they have all the basics, plus burgers, gyros, and daily specials. Plus it's pretty cheap! I usually go here on Fridays with two guys I work with for lunch and the people watching is always top notch. It can become very noisy and busy but, seriously, what else do you expect from a diner? I can't recommend this place enough, it's great. Say hi to Tommy when you go, he's most likely there.
(4)
Chantel C.
We went on a Sunday afternoon, it was very busy, loud and we were very cramped by the door. My honey felt as though they were seating others before us due to maybe who they were, but I don't know that for sure. When we finally got sat our server was prompt to get to us and was surprisingly on top of our table despite the busyess. I wouldn't say she was the most friendly or social, but she did the job. The menu is very extensive for such a small place and so many choices plus they have specials everyday too. I tried something I have never had before in my life, but have heard people say how good it is and that is fried chicken and waffles. The waffle was huge and had a nice crisp to it, but the chicken was tepid at best and was just chicken fingers that seemed not fried long enough. I got a side of home fries with cheese and onions and those were really hot and tasty. The food was decent enough for all 3 of us sitting at the table, but if I go back I will be trying something non breakfast and on their normal menu since I imagine that is what they are known for. Oh the bathroom was very clean too. I give 3 stars because of the hours being so limited, the waiting space also being so cramped and my chicken being not very warm and not crispy.
(3)
Goose R.
First of all, not complaining, just saying, why is it called a diner where you cannot even dine here? It closes at 3pm. Should be called cafeteria or something. Again, just saying. Came here for lunch, 12ish. There was a line to get in. I heard a guy said he came from Florida straight to eat here. I ordered the Cajun chicken sandwich per a friends recommendation. The sandwich was OK, Nothing to write home about. 1 slice of lettuce? wow, really? Man, talk about cutting down prices. My friend ordered a decent looking Angus burger. Overall an OK place to go to eat. Wait 15 mins in line? I think not.
(3)
Christiana C.
When I stepped into Tommy's, I almost feel like I stepped into a different time period. This place is so so awesome. I think this place would be awesome to take someone visiting Columbus. The place was packed when we came around lunchtime on a weekday, but we only waited 5 minutes for a table to open up. We sat by a bunch of Beegees signed photos (awesome) and the waitstaff was with us instantly. I also loved that the waitstaff was REAL. I felt like I was just talking to someone instead of being given a pre-memorized script while their eyes keep roaming beyond my face. Is this the best food I ever had? No, it is not. But I still loved it more than any Bob Evans (stop ruining my eggs, Bob!) and I do think that the quality of the food was pretty well reflected in the product. And if I get an awesom ambiance and awesome service in the meantime, I'm on board.
(4)
Karrie B.
#1 50's diner in Columbus. Traditional, Greek, and biscuits and gravy....they're all good.
(5)
Andrew C.
If you like french toast made out of wonder bread with two heaping scoops of margerin and log cabin syrup.......this is your place......otherwise stay away!! We also had the bacon cheese omlet, thinking how hard is it to screw that up, well they managed by having dense scrambled eggs with velveeta cheese on top......mmmmmm.
(1)
Craig L.
Based on how busy this place was when I visited I am a little scared for my health to only give it 4 stars. But, I guess I will just have to take the risk. The first thing you notice when you walk in to Tommy's is the 50's style decor. It is fun, seemingly authentic, not chochy. I saddled up to the counter which was a little cramped (and I sit at a lot of counters/bars). The service was solid, not fast, but respectable. I got an omelet which was very nicely prepared. Not too much salt and very fluffy. And BIG props for serving Breakfast after Noon! The coffee was good, in a diner kinda way. Certainly not the best cup of joe I have ever had but good. All in all, a very solid choice for breakfast.
(4)
Dean T.
Classic diner. Great decor. Excellent food.
(4)
Melanie B.
I agree with Paul F! If I lived in Franklinton (which, btw, I am very enamored with), I'd be here all the time. Tommy's is a true diner, not a cheesy and/or ironic hipster diner (simulcrum!). I'm not sure what all the people who are complaining expect - it's a DINER, you know, the real kind? Where the food isn't supposed to be spectacular, and the service and coffee should mediocre? Actually, the service at Tommy's was very attentive, but the point is... seriously? Seriously. I loved Tommy's! The service was great and I really enjoyed that so many locals/people who worked in the area were in here. Boy and I went for a late breakfast, and it was most people's lunch break. We saw some people he knew, and the conversation was all about local business and the neighborhood - I find this extremely cool, personally. (Think globally, act locally, comrades!). So, if the locals are going to a local diner, you know it's a good place and not some hipster b.s.... The food was great. We shared some sort of "big breakfast" plate, which included eggs, hashbrown, sausage, and the most insanely good pancakes ever. Ever. Such a good idea to share - it was huge - and for nine bucks, we both got lunch and breakfast! Good Deal. So yeah, I'd definitely recommend checking this place out if you like diners. YUM.
(4)
Darren M.
Great local, family-run diner with a welcoming atmosphere. Each time I have been there it is very busy, but every employee does a great job of treating each customer well. The food is always tasty and the service is quick. I am always very pleased after having a meal with friends at Tommy's. Highly recommended if you are looking for an authentic diner experience for breakfast or lunch.
(5)
Haley W.
I can't think of a place in Columbus that serves a better breakfast. True 50's diner atmosphere, food is stellar, and our server was super sweet and nice, despite how busy she was. Also loved seeing a family owned/run restaurant thriving from doing business the old fashioned way. I will tell any/everyone I know about this place!
(5)
Michael E.
Standard Greek diner Decent food but unworthy Of a special trip
(3)
niki q.
As soon we we walked in, we were greeted by Tom who offered us "the wost table in the place" beside the long line of customers and directly in front of the door. We were seated beneath a picture of Telly Savalas and could hear Harry Nilsson playing on the stereo and I know we were in for a treat! The horrible table ended up being kind of great because we got to watch Tom in action during our meal. He knew everyone that came in and you could tell that everyone loved him. We did too. And we also loved the gyros and onion rings. With tip, our meal for two (which was both delicious and ridiculously filling) came in under $20. I will be back.. and back and back.
(5)
Gordon M.
Classic diner fare. The staff is awesome, the food is friendly...errr.. or the other way around. I think. Maybe. Here's what I do know: other places try to imitate this kind of atmosphere and fall terribly short... So instead they jack up their prices, adopt some ridiculous name, and sell you on the concept of how trendy they are. Clearly they think you are a pretentious hipster. Tommy and Mike and the guys here don't do that. They just wanna feed you some great food and chat you up. Save money, come here, eat some good food, and enjoy the atmosphere.
(5)
Jess M.
Great Family Joint... Breakfast is extremely reasonably priced...cheap actually...and just love the atmosphere...full of regulars. This is not for the healthy nut, but definitely on target for those who are looking for some good old fashion high calorie breakfast or are looking to nurse a hangover. I support the local joint over the franchises such as Bob Evans anday...and I can guarantee the servers at Tommy's have 10x the heart...you can tell they love where they work
(4)
Keith M.
Originally, I was going to visit a taco truck nearby, but they must have taken a day off. The new Los Camperos restaurant was dark inside and it was only after 1:30. Third times a charm: Tommy's is right there, so biking down W Broad on this wonderfully cool day was not in vain. While they have a parking lot, I was happy to use the first bike rack in Franklinton which I had the city install earlier. Where else would I have put it? Tommy's Diner does it right with that perfect balance between gravy-laden diner grub and that ideal old-school diner atmosphere. Despite being the very definition of a typical diner, this place is an anomaly, at least in this diner under-saturated city. I've been here for breakfast and lunch. For breakfast you can expect the usual: a couple of eggs with your choice of meat, toast, with a side of house fries. For lunch I went with the open face turkey sandwich and despite much or all of it not being made in house it was satisfying diner fare. Sometimes, having your lunch sit in a pool of slightly yellowish gravy is a good thing. I saw that the guy next to me got some awfully delectable-looking fried chicken and I then saw it listed on the daily special menu. I'll have to remember that next time I'm there on a Tuesday. They have Greek yogurt listed among their desserts, which I'm betting is full of fat, none of that low-fat or fat-free Yoplait/Dannon nonsense. They also have a facebook page so that I can double check the specials of the day before heading out. A Columbus stand by that makes good use of modern technology is another big plus. facebook.com/pages/Colum… Even though it was what would usually be considered post-lunchtime, this place was packed with people and many were acquainted with each other which is the kind of ambiance you expect at a neighborhood gathering spot such as this. Adding in the fact that there were throngs of old people that were hanging out and undaunted by the new show bar across the street makes you appreciate the fact that you just won't find this sort of nonchalant coexistence anywhere on High nowadays (OK, maybe S High). For that you have to head out west and you'll be glad you did.
(4)
Nick A.
Six stars+ If I had to choose one restaurant in the city to eat at for the rest of my days, this is it. Full of regulars, consistent staff, Tommy himself... great tasting food, good variety, affordable prices. Crowded, but never too crowded, and always worth the wait if there is one.
(5)
Caroline C.
I'm a huge fan of diners, and I'd heard great things about this place. Gotta admit though that the food at Tommy's Diner really isn't anything spectacular at all. My gyro & feta omelet was tasty, but the side of bacon was cold, and as tough as old boots. The big breakfast was fine but no better than that at Chef's House (Hilliard) where we usually go for Sunday breakfast. Very good coffee though. The booths are fine for 2 people, but large groups are going to have problems. And it is INCREDIBLY noisy. The service was perfunctory, and nothing more. I'm glad we checked it out, but it's not worth the drive.
(3)
Chuck k.
Good breakfasts, neat atmosphere. It's a bit crowded and noisy.
(3)
Vanessa W.
We were sent here by our hotel. The food was good - typical diner food. But the service was excellent and very speedy. Great atmosphere of a mixture of locals. Fun retro decor.
(4)
Steve C.
I'm going to withhold a star for the beer. If you're going to carry beer these days, give us a couple of local offerings. CBC IPA is a big hit, Four String's Brass Knuckle has mass appeal. Represent the city, Tommy's. Aside from that, this is an old school diner that doesn't screw around. We're not talking about some hipster place that tries to be an old diner, this place was here before most of you were born. Hell some of the staff has been here longer than you've been alive. The food is good. Fresh-prepped classics, but they aren't afraid to embrace some trends either, or take a stab at some fancies preparations. The whiteboard of specials is the first thing you need to check out. The portions are filling without being absolutely grotesque, and the price more than fair. Service, even when busy, is rock solid. This is real food so you might have to wait as much as 20 minutes for your order on a busy day, but if that's a problem you shouldn't be straying that far from your microwave. The place is spotlessly clean. It's a busy diner with a lot of memorabilia hanging on the walls. It stands out because it's clean. No just on the frames. No patina of grease on the flair. You've got to try Tommy's.
(4)
Stefphanie H.
I don't know which is better...the food or the service. Located in historic Franklinton, this diner is a classic. Breakfast is a must and the fried chicken is out out of this world. Either even have alcoholic beverages!!!!
(5)
Caz O.
The diner is adorable. It's decorated like a real vintage diner from the 50s and 60s. The food was mediocre. We all had various items, a patty melt, gyro and cinnamon french toast. I was disappointed that most of the photos listed here on Yelp were daily specials and were not available on our visit. We all agreed the food was ok, nothing fantastic. It was cheap but the portions were kind of small. We liked that they have a parking lot. The service left something to be desired. Our waitress came to our table a total of 3 times, which was a bit frustrating since that left us with empty glasses the whole meal. The food took a reasonable amount of time but then waiting for our bill was a bit drawn out. I wouldn't recommend stopping in here for lunch if you're in any sort of hurry. We only had an hour and were kind of rushed to get back to work afterwards.
(3)
Jevona B.
Oh.my .gooooddddd why is this place so COOL?!?!? I vintage anything and this place has it in spades. Marilyn, and Elvis pictures and kitch abound in the most lovely mannor I haven't even gotten my food yet and this is my new favorite place.
(5)
Jillian M.
I love diners. If it wasn't for Guy Fieri (and his terrible hair) hosting the show, I'd probably spend an inordinate amount of time watching Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Anyway, Tommy's is the real deal! A great variety of affordable food for breakfast and lunch. They are only open until 3pm, so they do pretty steady business. I've only been on the weekends, and it's always busy. They do pack you in pretty tight, so wear deodorant and deflate your personal space bubble for an hour or so. We've had the same waiter every time, and she's great. One of these times, I'll remember her name. Fast service and hot food! There aren't many notable eating establishments in the Franklinton area, but this one has a positive reputation for a reason. I've yet to have a bad experience here, and you really feel like you are having breakfast with a bunch of friends and neighbors.
(4)
Paul F.
I met Mike G. for lunch here today. He had spotted the fish on their menu and wanted to try it out. I was agreeable because today's Ash Wednesday and for us Catholics, that means no meat. So after we placed our order, tha waitress brings our cole slaw out first and it was AWFUL! I thought this is not looking too good. But when the fish and my potatoes arrived it was like night and day. The fish was great!! There were four large pieces and they were delicious. Just the right amount of breading and the fish was cooked perfectly. I'm going to have to get back down there on a regular basis.
(4)
Kelly M.
Every time I come to the Columbus area I always go to Tommy's! They have the most amazing food here! Everyone here is so courteous and so friendly. The restrooms are always clean. And the waitresses are always superb! I would totally recommend anyone going to the restaurant.
(5)
Tiffany C.
Tommy's knows a thing or two about serving up breakfast to the hungry stomachs of Franklinton and surrounding area. Come in here on a weekend morning and you'll be lucky to grab a seat. They keep this place pretty packed, and I'll admit, I wasn't put away by this place at all. It was actually a decent breakfast. Tommy's is an interesting place. They offer a simple bar selection, but their hours don't go beyond 2-3pm, so for all you hankering for a beer with your Western omelet, this is the place. The inside is neat and looks great. It's definitely not what you'd expect for this side of town, but the booths were a throwback to the overly fantasized 1950's diner, including the black and white flooring, and Elvis and Marilyn Monroe memorabilia. The custom painting of the Elvis downing a cheeseburger with the owner is fantastic! I LOVE IT! You'll also find random pictures of well-known personalities (local and out of towners) posing with the owner. My experience here over-all was great! The service was awesome, the food was timely, and it was delicious. The potatoes were decent, and cooked the way I prefer my breakfast potatoes (not cubed) and the eggs were cooked perfectly... not slimey eggs here. Even the toast was average, but good. It's amazing to come here and people watch. They cater to all walks of life from older folks meeting up before church, to families, to working artists of Franklinton. It's just a good community vibe here, and you'll also see the owner walking about, saying 'Hi' and joshing the locals. I really wouldn't mind becoming a regular here. It's a nice little place for a good hearty breakfast on the shadows of downtown. Worth a stop!
(5)
Kelly M.
Every time I come to the Columbus area I always go to Tommy's! They have the most amazing food here! Everyone here is so courteous and so friendly. The restrooms are always clean. And the waitresses are always superb! I would totally recommend anyone going to the restaurant.
(5)
Steve C.
I'm going to withhold a star for the beer. If you're going to carry beer these days, give us a couple of local offerings. CBC IPA is a big hit, Four String's Brass Knuckle has mass appeal. Represent the city, Tommy's. Aside from that, this is an old school diner that doesn't screw around. We're not talking about some hipster place that tries to be an old diner, this place was here before most of you were born. Hell some of the staff has been here longer than you've been alive. The food is good. Fresh-prepped classics, but they aren't afraid to embrace some trends either, or take a stab at some fancies preparations. The whiteboard of specials is the first thing you need to check out. The portions are filling without being absolutely grotesque, and the price more than fair. Service, even when busy, is rock solid. This is real food so you might have to wait as much as 20 minutes for your order on a busy day, but if that's a problem you shouldn't be straying that far from your microwave. The place is spotlessly clean. It's a busy diner with a lot of memorabilia hanging on the walls. It stands out because it's clean. No just on the frames. No patina of grease on the flair. You've got to try Tommy's.
(4)
Stefphanie H.
I don't know which is better...the food or the service. Located in historic Franklinton, this diner is a classic. Breakfast is a must and the fried chicken is out out of this world. Either even have alcoholic beverages!!!!
(5)
Zack R.
Pretty solid breakfast for me and a couple other people. The place was packed full of neighborhood regulars. I think we were the only people that didn't know everyone in the place, not that this was a bad thing. Everybody was just in really good spirits and talking to each other. The owner seemed to know everyone as well. He was a really nice guy. The food was decent. My biscuits tasted a little Bisquick-y, but the gravy was really tasty. My sister had scrambled eggs on an English muffin with cheese and some really tasty crispy bacon. The place was packed, but the wait was short. The food was priced reasonably and the staff was friendly.
(4)
Tiffany C.
Tommy's knows a thing or two about serving up breakfast to the hungry stomachs of Franklinton and surrounding area. Come in here on a weekend morning and you'll be lucky to grab a seat. They keep this place pretty packed, and I'll admit, I wasn't put away by this place at all. It was actually a decent breakfast. Tommy's is an interesting place. They offer a simple bar selection, but their hours don't go beyond 2-3pm, so for all you hankering for a beer with your Western omelet, this is the place. The inside is neat and looks great. It's definitely not what you'd expect for this side of town, but the booths were a throwback to the overly fantasized 1950's diner, including the black and white flooring, and Elvis and Marilyn Monroe memorabilia. The custom painting of the Elvis downing a cheeseburger with the owner is fantastic! I LOVE IT! You'll also find random pictures of well-known personalities (local and out of towners) posing with the owner. My experience here over-all was great! The service was awesome, the food was timely, and it was delicious. The potatoes were decent, and cooked the way I prefer my breakfast potatoes (not cubed) and the eggs were cooked perfectly... not slimey eggs here. Even the toast was average, but good. It's amazing to come here and people watch. They cater to all walks of life from older folks meeting up before church, to families, to working artists of Franklinton. It's just a good community vibe here, and you'll also see the owner walking about, saying 'Hi' and joshing the locals. I really wouldn't mind becoming a regular here. It's a nice little place for a good hearty breakfast on the shadows of downtown. Worth a stop!
(5)
Kelly M.
Every time I come to the Columbus area I always go to Tommy's! They have the most amazing food here! Everyone here is so courteous and so friendly. The restrooms are always clean. And the waitresses are always superb! I would totally recommend anyone going to the restaurant.
(5)
Steve C.
I'm going to withhold a star for the beer. If you're going to carry beer these days, give us a couple of local offerings. CBC IPA is a big hit, Four String's Brass Knuckle has mass appeal. Represent the city, Tommy's. Aside from that, this is an old school diner that doesn't screw around. We're not talking about some hipster place that tries to be an old diner, this place was here before most of you were born. Hell some of the staff has been here longer than you've been alive. The food is good. Fresh-prepped classics, but they aren't afraid to embrace some trends either, or take a stab at some fancies preparations. The whiteboard of specials is the first thing you need to check out. The portions are filling without being absolutely grotesque, and the price more than fair. Service, even when busy, is rock solid. This is real food so you might have to wait as much as 20 minutes for your order on a busy day, but if that's a problem you shouldn't be straying that far from your microwave. The place is spotlessly clean. It's a busy diner with a lot of memorabilia hanging on the walls. It stands out because it's clean. No just on the frames. No patina of grease on the flair. You've got to try Tommy's.
(4)
Stefphanie H.
I don't know which is better...the food or the service. Located in historic Franklinton, this diner is a classic. Breakfast is a must and the fried chicken is out out of this world. Either even have alcoholic beverages!!!!
(5)
Caz O.
The diner is adorable. It's decorated like a real vintage diner from the 50s and 60s. The food was mediocre. We all had various items, a patty melt, gyro and cinnamon french toast. I was disappointed that most of the photos listed here on Yelp were daily specials and were not available on our visit. We all agreed the food was ok, nothing fantastic. It was cheap but the portions were kind of small. We liked that they have a parking lot. The service left something to be desired. Our waitress came to our table a total of 3 times, which was a bit frustrating since that left us with empty glasses the whole meal. The food took a reasonable amount of time but then waiting for our bill was a bit drawn out. I wouldn't recommend stopping in here for lunch if you're in any sort of hurry. We only had an hour and were kind of rushed to get back to work afterwards.
(3)
Jevona B.
Oh.my .gooooddddd why is this place so COOL?!?!? I vintage anything and this place has it in spades. Marilyn, and Elvis pictures and kitch abound in the most lovely mannor I haven't even gotten my food yet and this is my new favorite place.
(5)
Jillian M.
I love diners. If it wasn't for Guy Fieri (and his terrible hair) hosting the show, I'd probably spend an inordinate amount of time watching Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Anyway, Tommy's is the real deal! A great variety of affordable food for breakfast and lunch. They are only open until 3pm, so they do pretty steady business. I've only been on the weekends, and it's always busy. They do pack you in pretty tight, so wear deodorant and deflate your personal space bubble for an hour or so. We've had the same waiter every time, and she's great. One of these times, I'll remember her name. Fast service and hot food! There aren't many notable eating establishments in the Franklinton area, but this one has a positive reputation for a reason. I've yet to have a bad experience here, and you really feel like you are having breakfast with a bunch of friends and neighbors.
(4)
Mike G.
Before you go to Tommy's Dinner: One caveat for you. The tables are so close together that it's almost communal seating. There's no sense of privacy here at all, so if you've got any juicy personal issues to discuss, be aware that your neighbors will most likely be all up in your business. Anyways, when I asked for recommendations for great fish and chips, Aaron A. replied to the talk thread: "Tommy's Diner on Broad St. has a KILLER fish basket on Wednesdays." So I have a Veteran Yelper's recommendation, "Killer" in caps, it's Wednesday and I'm hungry for fish and chips...Let's do it! $7.95 gets you a very generous portion. Now they aren't what I would call fish and chips as in a traditional Irish pub style fish and chips, but they are a really great diner type fried fish and fries. Breading was crispy and crunchy with a really fresh tasting whitefish inside. The fries were very good too. The Cole slaw was alright, needed a splash of vinegar. The tartar sauce was house made excellence. Only thing missing was Guinness, which they don't serve.
(4)
Robyn H.
This was the second stop on our diner tour and what a great stop it was. Tommy's diner was packed and we now know why. We had 7 people in our party and they set up a table for us and immediately we sat. We all had different meals and we were all equally happy with our choices. We will definitely be back!!
(4)
Tash L.
What can I say about this place except that it may just be the best diner in town! A family owned and operated restaurant with the friendliest "regulars" you'll ever meet. I'm new to Columbus and our neighbors to the left and right were so sweet - we chatted about the multitude of options on the menu and the other things to see, do and eat in Co-Oh. They even broke out paper and pen to write down other restaurant suggestions! Now back to the restaurant review. The food here was a pleasant surprise. If you're looking for an upscale breakfast with an authentic diner feel - this is the place for you. I had the Eggs Benedict turned Florentine since I don't eat ham and my breakfast companion had the stuffed french toast with pumpkin cream cheese, fresh fruit and homemade whip cream - YUM! The portions were huge and the service here is great. We even met Tommy himself - a hardworking man who has earned customer loyalty through great service and a friendly smile. This place is a must-visit if you haven't been there yet!
(5)
Todd F.
The food selection is unreal! LOVE this place! Come see and you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Paul F.
I met Mike G. for lunch here today. He had spotted the fish on their menu and wanted to try it out. I was agreeable because today's Ash Wednesday and for us Catholics, that means no meat. So after we placed our order, tha waitress brings our cole slaw out first and it was AWFUL! I thought this is not looking too good. But when the fish and my potatoes arrived it was like night and day. The fish was great!! There were four large pieces and they were delicious. Just the right amount of breading and the fish was cooked perfectly. I'm going to have to get back down there on a regular basis.
(4)
Tom C.
I was hoping to fine a diner to call my home, what a huge disappointment. The Pastitsio had no flavor and the Bechamel Sauce was not properly cooked. My greek salad was nothing more than lettuce, 1 tomato wedge, 1 slice of cucumber, 2 olives, 1 pepper, a 1/2 tablespoon of Feta. The service was, "Flag me down and maybe I will help you." attitude.
(1)
Jess T.
I recently discovered this place doing some student teaching from a school not far from here. Having driven by it almost every day, I finally asked one of the teachers at my school that is from the area. She told me that Tommy's was one of her favorite places and that I had to check it out. The first time I visited Tommy's I picked up a grilled cheese to go. When I arrived around 12:30, the place was hopping, filled with friends meeting for lunch as well as couples enjoying a milkshake. The decor inside Tommy's makes you feel as though you've stepped back in time to the 1950's, which is pretty awesome. The second time I visited Tommy's, I brought my dad. We sat at a booth and were immediately greeted with water. My dad ordered a sweet tea. As usual, I got a grilled cheese and my dad got pancakes with sausage. He told me that he thoroughly enjoyed every bite. At the end of our lunch, I ordered a chocolate milkshake to go and it was darn good. This place only stays open till about 4 during the week, but serves breakfast all day. Yum!!
(5)
Pao P.
Nice little place to eat breakfast. A little tight but looks very 50's. Has a lot of pictures inside. Got the 2 eggs, sausage and homefries with toast. Waitresses are friendly.
(4)
Aaron A.
Woah baby! Tommy's is great to visit on weekdays! I have only been there for weekend breakfast. I visited on a Wednesday around 1pm and got a great booth right away. Plenty of tables for a late lunch. One of the Wednesday specials is a fish basket. I like to order fish and chips when it's on the menu and Tommy's fried fish is FANTASTIC! Absolutely mouth watering. Spicy, crispy batter, juicy, flaky, tender, super fresh, SO GOOD. This is one of the best pieces of fried fish I have ever eaten, and all I had to do was go to Tommy's for lunch instead of brunch. They serve this absolutely divine fish in huge portions every Wednesday. It makes me wonder what other unbelievable daily specials are waiting to be discovered. Tommy's is the best!
(5)
Martha W.
4.5 stars. My friends brought me here over the weekend and I fell in love. How could I have missed this place for so long? Excellent diner, at every level: good food (we had eggs, French toast, coffee, etc.), cheerful service, welcoming atmosphere, fantastic decor. Love. It. Tommy's -- You're fab.
(4)
Cherie B.
We LOVE Tommy's!! Best breakfast in town!! Try the new outside seating. It is lovely. Order mimosas or bloody mary's. They are always amazing. Also, the Greek omelet and eggs Benedict are to die for. Give them a try! Tommy is there himself. Be sure to say hello to him.
(5)
Tanja M.
Tommy's Diner is great! I've only had breakfast food here but it was amazing. The stuffed French toast special is to die for, the waffles are one of the best I've had, and they generally cook everything really well. I get annoyed at breakfast places for undercooking or overcooking the eggs but Tommy's gets it right every time. A huge plus is that it is very affordable!! The service is great and the owner is really friendly!
(5)
Jen F.
Always a fantastic meal. Love the diner feel. The wait staff is always outstanding! We have been going to Tommy's for years and 95% of the staff has been there long before we started going. That is a true sign of a well run restaurant. Michael is always so welcoming.. Marie always treats us as family... We just love her. Jen is awesome as well!! Now on to the food.. I'm not a huge breakfast fan, but their western omelette is the bomb! I have never had a bad meal that's for sure. Highly recommended!!
(5)
Mimi W.
I love diners and I love Tommy's. I grew up in Columbus and didn't know about this place til my hubby took me there this past summer. Since then it's become one of our favorite dining options. I love love love love the corned beef hash and the home fries w/gravy. The place is always packed or near-packed but we've never experienced lowered service because of it. This is the diner to which I compare all other diners in the city.
(5)
Michael B.
This diner is somewhat of a local establishment in Columbus. Great breakfast menu, and an even better eggs Benedict! A weekend morning favorite. I can't fault the restaurant for this, but it does have a tendency to get a little loud inside.
(4)
Keith M.
Originally, I was going to visit a taco truck nearby, but they must have taken a day off. The new Los Camperos restaurant was dark inside and it was only after 1:30. Third times a charm: Tommy's is right there, so biking down W Broad on this wonderfully cool day was not in vain. While they have a parking lot, I was happy to use the first bike rack in Franklinton which I had the city install earlier. Where else would I have put it? Tommy's Diner does it right with that perfect balance between gravy-laden diner grub and that ideal old-school diner atmosphere. Despite being the very definition of a typical diner, this place is an anomaly, at least in this diner under-saturated city. I've been here for breakfast and lunch. For breakfast you can expect the usual: a couple of eggs with your choice of meat, toast, with a side of house fries. For lunch I went with the open face turkey sandwich and despite much or all of it not being made in house it was satisfying diner fare. Sometimes, having your lunch sit in a pool of slightly yellowish gravy is a good thing. I saw that the guy next to me got some awfully delectable-looking fried chicken and I then saw it listed on the daily special menu. I'll have to remember that next time I'm there on a Tuesday. They have Greek yogurt listed among their desserts, which I'm betting is full of fat, none of that low-fat or fat-free Yoplait/Dannon nonsense. They also have a facebook page so that I can double check the specials of the day before heading out. A Columbus stand by that makes good use of modern technology is another big plus. facebook.com/pages/Colum… Even though it was what would usually be considered post-lunchtime, this place was packed with people and many were acquainted with each other which is the kind of ambiance you expect at a neighborhood gathering spot such as this. Adding in the fact that there were throngs of old people that were hanging out and undaunted by the new show bar across the street makes you appreciate the fact that you just won't find this sort of nonchalant coexistence anywhere on High nowadays (OK, maybe S High). For that you have to head out west and you'll be glad you did.
(4)
Nick A.
Six stars+ If I had to choose one restaurant in the city to eat at for the rest of my days, this is it. Full of regulars, consistent staff, Tommy himself... great tasting food, good variety, affordable prices. Crowded, but never too crowded, and always worth the wait if there is one.
(5)
Zack R.
Pretty solid breakfast for me and a couple other people. The place was packed full of neighborhood regulars. I think we were the only people that didn't know everyone in the place, not that this was a bad thing. Everybody was just in really good spirits and talking to each other. The owner seemed to know everyone as well. He was a really nice guy. The food was decent. My biscuits tasted a little Bisquick-y, but the gravy was really tasty. My sister had scrambled eggs on an English muffin with cheese and some really tasty crispy bacon. The place was packed, but the wait was short. The food was priced reasonably and the staff was friendly.
(4)
Mookie B.
I give it 4 stars, and conveniently located....in Franklinton. Try to eat there about Once a month. Soups are excellent, gyro is fine. Great place to take a client for an informal business lunch.
(4)
Steve R.
Best damn diner in Columbus. Breakfast menu is astounding and lunch is just as good . It is good ole Diner food with all the fixings. I work right down the street and frequent the place often. Highly recommend if your looking for a great diner experience.
(5)
Caz O.
The diner is adorable. It's decorated like a real vintage diner from the 50s and 60s. The food was mediocre. We all had various items, a patty melt, gyro and cinnamon french toast. I was disappointed that most of the photos listed here on Yelp were daily specials and were not available on our visit. We all agreed the food was ok, nothing fantastic. It was cheap but the portions were kind of small. We liked that they have a parking lot. The service left something to be desired. Our waitress came to our table a total of 3 times, which was a bit frustrating since that left us with empty glasses the whole meal. The food took a reasonable amount of time but then waiting for our bill was a bit drawn out. I wouldn't recommend stopping in here for lunch if you're in any sort of hurry. We only had an hour and were kind of rushed to get back to work afterwards.
(3)
Jevona B.
Oh.my .gooooddddd why is this place so COOL?!?!? I vintage anything and this place has it in spades. Marilyn, and Elvis pictures and kitch abound in the most lovely mannor I haven't even gotten my food yet and this is my new favorite place.
(5)
Jillian M.
I love diners. If it wasn't for Guy Fieri (and his terrible hair) hosting the show, I'd probably spend an inordinate amount of time watching Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Anyway, Tommy's is the real deal! A great variety of affordable food for breakfast and lunch. They are only open until 3pm, so they do pretty steady business. I've only been on the weekends, and it's always busy. They do pack you in pretty tight, so wear deodorant and deflate your personal space bubble for an hour or so. We've had the same waiter every time, and she's great. One of these times, I'll remember her name. Fast service and hot food! There aren't many notable eating establishments in the Franklinton area, but this one has a positive reputation for a reason. I've yet to have a bad experience here, and you really feel like you are having breakfast with a bunch of friends and neighbors.
(4)
Sarah C.
Ummm.....I HATE Tommy's. Please DO NOT go there! The food is awful and the owners scream at their employees in Greek! Hello! No one can understand you! Not even you're employee! I even saw a waitress cry because the beloved "Tommy" was screaming at her! Please do not go here. It's a waste of money and you will have a horrible experience! I even had an egg shell in my eggs and you know what the response was when I informed my waitress(I'm even terrified to even allude to who she was) "Please don't make me tell my boss, he'll fire me!" OMG really????? I didn't eat and still paid for the meal just so this woman could keep her job! Granted, I watched Tommy on her ass the entire time, but shouldn't they be more focused on customer service? Just a thought... I MAY try their other restaurants ,Milo's, the Sate House place, not sure of the official name, Kraft # 5, but I assume their all ran the same...so we'll see....more reviews to come....
(1)
Dan H.
Where to start? I've been coming to Tommy's with three friends for breakfast every Wednesday for the last couple of years, and when I walk in at 6, our table is already set up with coffee cups and water glasses. Denise (who has been working here for 11 years) always knows exactly how we like our breakfast orders, even knows how much coffee each of us prefers, and always can tell if we need something and when we don't. In other words the perfect server! To me, a place might have the most delicious food in town, but if the service is rotten, I'm never going back. A place is only as good as its employees, and this place has got it. Plus, it's fortunate to actually have some of the best food in town!! The biscuits and gravy, the pancakes, the french toast, the eggs, the hash, the specials, oh -- the sweet rolls! .... I always find it hard to decide. Everything is outstanding. An all around awesome place. No wonder it's been around for so long. A visit to Columbus is never complete without a trip to Tommy's.
(5)
Irene S.
We've been going to Tommy's Diner almost every Saturday for years, so that makes us regulars. We have "cheated" on Tom Pappas a few times by going to Cracker Barrel & Bob Evans for breakfast/lunch, and even though their food is decent, they really can't compete with this joint. I believe we've tried most everything on the menu by this point, but my absolute faves are the tuna salad gyro w/sweet potato fries, the potato soup w/fish sandwich on Fridays, and a Greek salad w/Pastichio - an authentic Greek (duh) specialty with heavenly beschamel layers. Ask your waitress for an end piece so you get two crispy sides! My husband really loves the cinnamon swirl pancakes, but he's been ordering lunch items lately to get out of his breakfast rut, and reports that everything he's tried has been top notch. The most positive thing about Tommy's Diner (besides the delicious food) is the sense of community. It's FUN to gather with a bunch of friendly people with happy faces eating great food. Yeah, it does get really loud when the place is humming (especially on Buckeyes football Saturdays), but that just adds to the ambience. Cap City Diner is wonderful as well, but c'mon folks: we all know that ain't a true diner!
(5)
Mike G.
Before you go to Tommy's Dinner: One caveat for you. The tables are so close together that it's almost communal seating. There's no sense of privacy here at all, so if you've got any juicy personal issues to discuss, be aware that your neighbors will most likely be all up in your business. Anyways, when I asked for recommendations for great fish and chips, Aaron A. replied to the talk thread: "Tommy's Diner on Broad St. has a KILLER fish basket on Wednesdays." So I have a Veteran Yelper's recommendation, "Killer" in caps, it's Wednesday and I'm hungry for fish and chips...Let's do it! $7.95 gets you a very generous portion. Now they aren't what I would call fish and chips as in a traditional Irish pub style fish and chips, but they are a really great diner type fried fish and fries. Breading was crispy and crunchy with a really fresh tasting whitefish inside. The fries were very good too. The Cole slaw was alright, needed a splash of vinegar. The tartar sauce was house made excellence. Only thing missing was Guinness, which they don't serve.
(4)
Robyn H.
This was the second stop on our diner tour and what a great stop it was. Tommy's diner was packed and we now know why. We had 7 people in our party and they set up a table for us and immediately we sat. We all had different meals and we were all equally happy with our choices. We will definitely be back!!
(4)
Tash L.
What can I say about this place except that it may just be the best diner in town! A family owned and operated restaurant with the friendliest "regulars" you'll ever meet. I'm new to Columbus and our neighbors to the left and right were so sweet - we chatted about the multitude of options on the menu and the other things to see, do and eat in Co-Oh. They even broke out paper and pen to write down other restaurant suggestions! Now back to the restaurant review. The food here was a pleasant surprise. If you're looking for an upscale breakfast with an authentic diner feel - this is the place for you. I had the Eggs Benedict turned Florentine since I don't eat ham and my breakfast companion had the stuffed french toast with pumpkin cream cheese, fresh fruit and homemade whip cream - YUM! The portions were huge and the service here is great. We even met Tommy himself - a hardworking man who has earned customer loyalty through great service and a friendly smile. This place is a must-visit if you haven't been there yet!
(5)
Todd F.
The food selection is unreal! LOVE this place! Come see and you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Paul F.
I met Mike G. for lunch here today. He had spotted the fish on their menu and wanted to try it out. I was agreeable because today's Ash Wednesday and for us Catholics, that means no meat. So after we placed our order, tha waitress brings our cole slaw out first and it was AWFUL! I thought this is not looking too good. But when the fish and my potatoes arrived it was like night and day. The fish was great!! There were four large pieces and they were delicious. Just the right amount of breading and the fish was cooked perfectly. I'm going to have to get back down there on a regular basis.
(4)
Tom C.
I was hoping to fine a diner to call my home, what a huge disappointment. The Pastitsio had no flavor and the Bechamel Sauce was not properly cooked. My greek salad was nothing more than lettuce, 1 tomato wedge, 1 slice of cucumber, 2 olives, 1 pepper, a 1/2 tablespoon of Feta. The service was, "Flag me down and maybe I will help you." attitude.
(1)
Jess T.
I recently discovered this place doing some student teaching from a school not far from here. Having driven by it almost every day, I finally asked one of the teachers at my school that is from the area. She told me that Tommy's was one of her favorite places and that I had to check it out. The first time I visited Tommy's I picked up a grilled cheese to go. When I arrived around 12:30, the place was hopping, filled with friends meeting for lunch as well as couples enjoying a milkshake. The decor inside Tommy's makes you feel as though you've stepped back in time to the 1950's, which is pretty awesome. The second time I visited Tommy's, I brought my dad. We sat at a booth and were immediately greeted with water. My dad ordered a sweet tea. As usual, I got a grilled cheese and my dad got pancakes with sausage. He told me that he thoroughly enjoyed every bite. At the end of our lunch, I ordered a chocolate milkshake to go and it was darn good. This place only stays open till about 4 during the week, but serves breakfast all day. Yum!!
(5)
Pao P.
Nice little place to eat breakfast. A little tight but looks very 50's. Has a lot of pictures inside. Got the 2 eggs, sausage and homefries with toast. Waitresses are friendly.
(4)
Aaron A.
Woah baby! Tommy's is great to visit on weekdays! I have only been there for weekend breakfast. I visited on a Wednesday around 1pm and got a great booth right away. Plenty of tables for a late lunch. One of the Wednesday specials is a fish basket. I like to order fish and chips when it's on the menu and Tommy's fried fish is FANTASTIC! Absolutely mouth watering. Spicy, crispy batter, juicy, flaky, tender, super fresh, SO GOOD. This is one of the best pieces of fried fish I have ever eaten, and all I had to do was go to Tommy's for lunch instead of brunch. They serve this absolutely divine fish in huge portions every Wednesday. It makes me wonder what other unbelievable daily specials are waiting to be discovered. Tommy's is the best!
(5)
Martha W.
4.5 stars. My friends brought me here over the weekend and I fell in love. How could I have missed this place for so long? Excellent diner, at every level: good food (we had eggs, French toast, coffee, etc.), cheerful service, welcoming atmosphere, fantastic decor. Love. It. Tommy's -- You're fab.
(4)
Cherie B.
We LOVE Tommy's!! Best breakfast in town!! Try the new outside seating. It is lovely. Order mimosas or bloody mary's. They are always amazing. Also, the Greek omelet and eggs Benedict are to die for. Give them a try! Tommy is there himself. Be sure to say hello to him.
(5)
Tanja M.
Tommy's Diner is great! I've only had breakfast food here but it was amazing. The stuffed French toast special is to die for, the waffles are one of the best I've had, and they generally cook everything really well. I get annoyed at breakfast places for undercooking or overcooking the eggs but Tommy's gets it right every time. A huge plus is that it is very affordable!! The service is great and the owner is really friendly!
(5)
Jen F.
Always a fantastic meal. Love the diner feel. The wait staff is always outstanding! We have been going to Tommy's for years and 95% of the staff has been there long before we started going. That is a true sign of a well run restaurant. Michael is always so welcoming.. Marie always treats us as family... We just love her. Jen is awesome as well!! Now on to the food.. I'm not a huge breakfast fan, but their western omelette is the bomb! I have never had a bad meal that's for sure. Highly recommended!!
(5)
Mimi W.
I love diners and I love Tommy's. I grew up in Columbus and didn't know about this place til my hubby took me there this past summer. Since then it's become one of our favorite dining options. I love love love love the corned beef hash and the home fries w/gravy. The place is always packed or near-packed but we've never experienced lowered service because of it. This is the diner to which I compare all other diners in the city.
(5)
Michael B.
This diner is somewhat of a local establishment in Columbus. Great breakfast menu, and an even better eggs Benedict! A weekend morning favorite. I can't fault the restaurant for this, but it does have a tendency to get a little loud inside.
(4)
Emily L.
if I lived closer to Tommy's, I'd weigh 300 pounds. It's so good. This is a real deal diner. Complete with retro red vinyl booths and pictures of the rich and famous all over the stainless steel walls. Tommy's is just a good old fashioned, family owned place. You can tell they care a lot about the restaurant and I've seen the same severs and staff here for years, which kind of just makes you feel like you're at home here. The menu for breakfast and lunch is huge, but I usually got with a couple specials that are usually on the board. My favorite is Tommy's Country Breakfast. It's a biscuit sliced in half and topped with 2 eggs cooked the way you like them, sausage gravy, and cheddar cheese. It's awesome. I also loved the corned beef hash and the eggs benedict when those are around. I don't get to come here as much as I used to in college, but when I do, it just makes me happy to be here.
(5)
Will P.
Great breakfast Tommy's has one of the best breakfasts in town. The place has an old diner feel to it and the food tastes homemade. I had pancakes and they were great. Would recommend for breakfast expecially if you don't want the usual chain.
(4)
Michael U.
The best diner I've been to in Columbus. There are many great breakfast places here that rank right up there with the best. I tried to go last week and the line was out the door. We went a little later this time so were sat right away. Great service...fast, friendly and the food was served HOT which seems rare now a days. Highly recommend. Will go back for dinner to try it out.
(5)
Frank E.
Updating my review of three yeas ago I just have to reiterate how good Tommy's is and that I have become a multi times a week guest at this diner. The staff is friendly and never make you fell anything but welcomed. The food is great and I love trying the daily specials. The prices are reasonable and portion sizes perfect. While getting a seat at prime lunchtime, noon to one, my take a few minutes, it is well worth the wait. All you have to do is look at the diversity of the customers, from laborers, doctors, cops, elected city officials, lawyers, retired couples, and every one in between these, to see that Tommy's caters to every taste. It is the Columbus melting pot. Take time to visit Tommy's and discover your soon to be home away from home.
(5)
Aaron S.
You want the real diner feel....hit Tommy's. Sometimes hard to get a seat. Usually always busy and they close early. So get in and grab a seat at the bar if you can't get a booth. You never know who you will run into here either....all walks of life come through those doors. I kept it simple and got some French toast...which was great in the realm of classic French toast. Atmosphere is what a real diner is. Order up and sit back for some good old fashioned people watching.
(5)
Michael G.
Always a treat! Good diner food, good service, good prices, good people!!
(4)
Anita K.
Breakfast doesn't get any better than this! Definitely get a waffle, you will not be sorry!
(5)
Howard S.
Was the typical diner. Service was fast an the place was crowded at 1 pm. I had the juicy Lucy which is a burger with cheese pressed in it. The meat came out as requested it was angus beef seasoned perfectly. They have their own special sauce on the side. The only downside is I don't eat fries so they substituted a small cole slaw. The size if the cole slaw was disappointing.
(4)
niki q.
As soon we we walked in, we were greeted by Tom who offered us "the wost table in the place" beside the long line of customers and directly in front of the door. We were seated beneath a picture of Telly Savalas and could hear Harry Nilsson playing on the stereo and I know we were in for a treat! The horrible table ended up being kind of great because we got to watch Tom in action during our meal. He knew everyone that came in and you could tell that everyone loved him. We did too. And we also loved the gyros and onion rings. With tip, our meal for two (which was both delicious and ridiculously filling) came in under $20. I will be back.. and back and back.
(5)
Steve And Lazz D.
I would not recommend this place to others. The Owner was very rude to me. The waitress took our order and we did not see her again until it was time for the check. When she gave us our check, she noticed that I did not eat my breakfast. I explained to her it was cold when I got it and not what I expected. THe owner then came to my table and said sorry I did not like it, but that i should have ate it, cause he couldn't eat. I was surprised at the remark and offended, so we left. Sounds like TOmmy and his staff has treated other customers with smiling faces, but we did not experience that.
(2)
Ed P.
Before leaving Columbus and returning home to Cincinnati this past weekend, we made one last stop for breakfast at a little place called Tommy's Diner. From the outside I wasn't expecting much from Tommy's. After parking the car beneath the large sign out front, we weren't sure which direction the restaurant actually was. Fortunately a line of people were leaving the restaurant as we had arrived, so we just followed the crowd into this rather plain-looking building. Once inside, however, it was clear that this truly was a diner. It isn't a dingy diner though, as the booths and tables all seemed to have been updated at least sometime in the last ten years. There are neon lights everywhere and a checkered floor as you would expect from a diner. Autographed photos cover the walls from famous visitors of the past. There was a pretty large crowd in the rather small space, but enough open tables for us to find a seat immediately. After being sat at a booth by who I would assume was Tommy, our server was at our side within minutes to take our drink order. Breakfast is served all day, and most of our group went that route. Though when my twelve-year-old brother-in-law heard that lunch was also available he went straight for the old fashioned burger with American cheese ($4.75). He also ordered a side of fries ($1.95). At this point in our trip he was really into providing ratings to me for my reviews. He rated the burger an 8 out of 10, and the fries just a 5. It seemed that the fries weren't salty enough for his tastes, so once we added a little more salt, he was good to go. My wife ordered a breakfast combo with an omelet and home fries. I didn't have any of the omelet, but I had a big share of the home fries and these were a nice mix of crunchy and soft potatoes. I couldn't find a price online, but the omelets are in the $6 - $7 range and a side of home fries are $1.75. We ordered a short stack of hotcakes for our two-year-old son ($3.50). These were pretty typical pancakes, but with a huge mound of butter. And now for the star of our meal, I ordered the stuffed French toast with fruit topping. This was a large stack of sourdough French toast with a cream cheese filling, topped with a mound of strawberries and a healthy amount of whipped cream. I was in heaven! Our food varied from average to amazing. Our service couldn't have been any nicer and the food was out to us in adequate time. Forget what the outside of Tommy's Diner looks like, there is plenty of good stuff inside.
(4)
Melaney C.
It's worth going here just to meet Tommy or his son, Michael. They are super friendly. I generally run into someone I know, since if you go once, you've got to go again. Food is consistently good classic diner fare with some Greek specialties.
(5)
Hanim S.
This place is very cool - Tommy is awesome (the owner), he greets ever guest that walks in and it seems like he knows everyone....the restaurant is right out of Happy Days, so much to look at and keep your eyes busy while waiting on your food. SPEAKING of food - OH.MY .GOODNES....it is Ah-----mazing....I had the pumpkin spice pancakes topped with apples and handmade whipped cream; and I could BARELY finish it! The kids enjoyed their grilled cheese and ate everything...hubby had meatloaf sandwich and seemed to enjoy it! It is in an interesting side of town, but big parking lot behind the building AND across the street...definetly a place to check out, especially on a Sunday after church!
(4)
Carol C.
Tommy's Diner sits in that special goldilocks zone between retro and classic. Neon snakes along the ceiling, checkered tiles line the floor, and the menu is 1950's diner fare done right. We strolled in last Saturday morning when I had a craving for brunch, and Tommy himself showed us to a great booth by the window. Before he left, he winked and promised not to charge us extra for the view. It's that comfortable greasy spoon kind of customer service that you come to expect when you order at a counter and sip coffee from a ceramic mug. There's plenty of eye candy to snack on while you wait, including photos of the owner with the Bee Gees and a vintage Coca-Cola machine. But you won't have to wait long, thank goodness, because the table next to you probably has something delicious on it. I ordered a "Breakfast Club" off the Daily Specials menu before I figured out the John Hughes reference, but puns make everything taste better. It was built traditionally, with three toasted slices of wheat bread, romaine, tomato, a pile of ham, strips of bacon, both american and provolone cheeses, and a buttery fried egg. Two cheeses, three proteins, I don't even have to say how good it was. My husband had a sweet tooth so he went with a shortstack of blueberry pancakes and a side of bacon. They're the fluffy kind of cake, not the flat kind, with a good bite of berries and a spongy texture. Warning: If you're a stickler for real syrup, you'll have to tote your own. The bacon was good too, though a little overdone, but he seemed to love it and dipped each piece in syrup. My side of hash browns was undercooked, more like potatoes au gratin, though I can't really complain because I ate nearly all of a portion big enough for two. The wait staff knows what they're doing too, I watched them weave around customers waiting to be seated without skipping a beat, tipping a glass, or even dropping their smiles. We were in and out for $20 in under 30 minutes, but I recommend you come before 10:30am if you want to beat the weekend lunch rush. And trust me, you do. Or better yet, trust Tommy - he won't even charge you extra for the advice.
(4)
troy l.
following Aaron's review went here yesterday for breakfast before i left south since it was on the way. Been here plenty of times over the years and it has always been more for the ambience than the food or service. unless you are a regular you will be served so-so and the food is ok. especially for the $. stuffed french toast is worth a try.
(3)
Zeta P.
Loved this place. Total classic diner fare and atmosphere. Seems like a very regulars crowd. It's a little loud as other reviews said but I liked the hub bub of it. Steak and eggs with a perfect sunny side up totally cured me from the one too many cocktails blues. Hubs loved his eggs benedict ....Greasy spoon goodness:)
(5)
Luke T.
This is definitely a diner. Kitschy to the max, full of bric-a-brac, and with a killer counter, few diners in Columbus can match it as far as decor and theme are concerned. The prices are also on point for diner-dom status. If you don't order a drink, you'll probably make it out for under $7-8. The menu is pretty extensive, about three pages front and back, one of which is the cover, making about 5 pages worth of items. Being a breakfast guy, I was a bit disappointed that only one of those pages features breakfast items. Breakfast guy or not, I was here for lunch, and I ordered a yummy sounding tuna melt with an order of curly fries. My lunch mate had the cheeseburger, and also ordered the curly fries after an entertaining discussion with the waitress about whether or not the curly ones were better than the regular ones. My tuna melt was a sloppy, gooey, delicious mess. Her cheeseburger was woefully smaller than expected. I would like to go back for breakfast sometime. A diner if ever there was one.
(3)
Edward D.
Goog times, and even better food. Tommy's takes care of their customers the right way!
(5)
Matt W.
Have you ever stepped into a place and felt like you somehow managed to transport yourself to a totally different part of the world? When I stepped into Tommy's Diner, I swore that I'd somehow been transported to upstate New York. A small but classic diner, Tommy's is quick, tasty, and CHEAP. It feels like it should be sitting next to the turnpike, not nestled into Franklinton. The menu is fairly normal diner fare, but the specials board is where it's at. We tried salmon patties and the Grecian Roasted Chicken and both were incredibly flavorful. The lemon potatoes and mac & cheese were excellent sides as well, but the veggie of the day (Green beans) were disappointingly mushy and really obviously out of a can. We also tried their rice pudding for dessert, and WOW. Very obviously made there (our waitress claimed we got the first serving out of a fresh batch), it was rich, thick, creamy, and spiced with just the right amount of cinnamon to give it a great tang. The best part? We were in and out for under $20 and about ~30 minutes. Absolutely worth dropping into - just don't be surprised if the line is out the door.
(4)
Angela I.
I am a diner snob. I have pretty high breakfast standards, and I'm happy to say that Tommy's did not disappoint. Being an out of towner, I took a gamble and chose Tommy's when I came to Columbus thanks to other great reviews on here. The decor was really fun and the place had a casual family vibe. I believe the owner was in the day we went, and he was making his rounds to all the tables, which I appreciated! I ordered the pumpkin pancakes with apple topping and they were out of this world - and the coffee never stopped flowing! Just as a diner should be. I would definitely return in the future.
(4)
Nick P.
One of my favorite places to eat or just grab some coffee and have a nice conversation
(5)
Stanley Z.
Had a chance to go back when they were open. Cool place, food was great. (SEPT 2012) Might be good...but who would know because Ina one horse town known as Columbus there is no such thing as a diner that's open when people want to eat! Luckily, I have found Fitzy's ......open 24/7. That's where you should go.
(5)
Taste Budz Z.
DEREK: Tommy's reminds me of the greasy spoon you love to go to when you need your comfort food. Tommy's just does good food and no matter what, your going to enjoy the experience. TROY: It's like God took a Greek Diner from Jersey and plopped it down in C-bus to show what good home cookin' food can be. It's just that when this place opened, the area was thriving and clean and safe and well you get the picture. DEREK: Although I'm glad I don't live in the neighborhood this little diner is located in, I wish I could put it a block or two from my home. Maybe I can talk them into using Efficient Moving to relocate from Broad Street...what do you think Troy? TROY: Ha ha, shameless plug you kiss a$$. DEREK: I ordered a simple fish and chips platter that also came with coleslaw. Coleslaw is just one of those items that only your mom can make well, but Tommy's was just the way I like it. Not the same as what you get at KFC, but it wasn't too creamy or thick. Very good and it complimented the fish and chips. I received a nice portion of fries and fish fillets and it was exactly the comfort food I need. Not foo foo or unusual, just what you expect from a good diner. TROY: I can't pull myself away from ordering breakfast every freakin time I come here! Eggs are good with lots of margarine making them even more unhealthy. The bacon is the absolute way to go, SKIP the sausage cause its not good (my favorite breakfast sausage is Bob Evans) and is like a pork/hamburger amalgamation like a salisbury steak... TROY: But, oh my, the waffle is from heaven. It's that good, and I'm a waffle fanatic so my opinion matters. Some lame places use their pancake batter to try to make a waffle, huh uh! True waffle batter is an art...a science, and Tommy has the secret recipe. No joke, I'm thinking about bringing my own real maple syrup next time to go insane from it. DEREK: Surprise of the visit was the ample parking for downtown location. Troy can I borrow your handicap placard sometime? Yeah... probably not.
(5)
Ann S.
I always start craving Thanksgiving dinner this time of year and can't wait until the actual holiday. I saw this was one of the few places that had it and we'd never been there before. It was pretty crowded even though we went at what we considered an off peak time. Lots of regulars and the table we were told to sit at was so crammed I actually didn't see it. If you're not a fan of communal seating, hope for a booth. The server was super nice (she reminds me of Karla from The Chew/Top Chef) and the owner was nice too. The hubby really liked his grilled ham and cheese and fries. I got my Thanksgiving dinner for lunch and I was hoping it would be better. Everything tasted very canned/boxed. Maybe I'm just picky because I cook every meal so I'm used to home cooking but the gravy was neon yellow and the potatoes tasted like instant. It wasn't horrible but I was hoping for more. I have a feeling breakfast is their specialty so we'll be back to try that.
(3)
Karrie B.
#1 50's diner in Columbus. Traditional, Greek, and biscuits and gravy....they're all good.
(5)
Andrew C.
If you like french toast made out of wonder bread with two heaping scoops of margerin and log cabin syrup.......this is your place......otherwise stay away!! We also had the bacon cheese omlet, thinking how hard is it to screw that up, well they managed by having dense scrambled eggs with velveeta cheese on top......mmmmmm.
(1)
Kyle J.
I love diner food. This place is so cool. Full of all kinds of different people, I've gone here for lunch twice now. I always get the potato soup when it's available. I add cheese and bacon which they crisp to death (just the way I like it) and mix it with some crackers. I've also had omelettes and a gyro which both are quite tasty. For a diner they have all the basics, plus burgers, gyros, and daily specials. Plus it's pretty cheap! I usually go here on Fridays with two guys I work with for lunch and the people watching is always top notch. It can become very noisy and busy but, seriously, what else do you expect from a diner? I can't recommend this place enough, it's great. Say hi to Tommy when you go, he's most likely there.
(4)
Chantel C.
We went on a Sunday afternoon, it was very busy, loud and we were very cramped by the door. My honey felt as though they were seating others before us due to maybe who they were, but I don't know that for sure. When we finally got sat our server was prompt to get to us and was surprisingly on top of our table despite the busyess. I wouldn't say she was the most friendly or social, but she did the job. The menu is very extensive for such a small place and so many choices plus they have specials everyday too. I tried something I have never had before in my life, but have heard people say how good it is and that is fried chicken and waffles. The waffle was huge and had a nice crisp to it, but the chicken was tepid at best and was just chicken fingers that seemed not fried long enough. I got a side of home fries with cheese and onions and those were really hot and tasty. The food was decent enough for all 3 of us sitting at the table, but if I go back I will be trying something non breakfast and on their normal menu since I imagine that is what they are known for. Oh the bathroom was very clean too. I give 3 stars because of the hours being so limited, the waiting space also being so cramped and my chicken being not very warm and not crispy.
(3)
Goose R.
First of all, not complaining, just saying, why is it called a diner where you cannot even dine here? It closes at 3pm. Should be called cafeteria or something. Again, just saying. Came here for lunch, 12ish. There was a line to get in. I heard a guy said he came from Florida straight to eat here. I ordered the Cajun chicken sandwich per a friends recommendation. The sandwich was OK, Nothing to write home about. 1 slice of lettuce? wow, really? Man, talk about cutting down prices. My friend ordered a decent looking Angus burger. Overall an OK place to go to eat. Wait 15 mins in line? I think not.
(3)
Christiana C.
When I stepped into Tommy's, I almost feel like I stepped into a different time period. This place is so so awesome. I think this place would be awesome to take someone visiting Columbus. The place was packed when we came around lunchtime on a weekday, but we only waited 5 minutes for a table to open up. We sat by a bunch of Beegees signed photos (awesome) and the waitstaff was with us instantly. I also loved that the waitstaff was REAL. I felt like I was just talking to someone instead of being given a pre-memorized script while their eyes keep roaming beyond my face. Is this the best food I ever had? No, it is not. But I still loved it more than any Bob Evans (stop ruining my eggs, Bob!) and I do think that the quality of the food was pretty well reflected in the product. And if I get an awesom ambiance and awesome service in the meantime, I'm on board.
(4)
Craig L.
Based on how busy this place was when I visited I am a little scared for my health to only give it 4 stars. But, I guess I will just have to take the risk. The first thing you notice when you walk in to Tommy's is the 50's style decor. It is fun, seemingly authentic, not chochy. I saddled up to the counter which was a little cramped (and I sit at a lot of counters/bars). The service was solid, not fast, but respectable. I got an omelet which was very nicely prepared. Not too much salt and very fluffy. And BIG props for serving Breakfast after Noon! The coffee was good, in a diner kinda way. Certainly not the best cup of joe I have ever had but good. All in all, a very solid choice for breakfast.
(4)
Dean T.
Classic diner. Great decor. Excellent food.
(4)
Melanie B.
I agree with Paul F! If I lived in Franklinton (which, btw, I am very enamored with), I'd be here all the time. Tommy's is a true diner, not a cheesy and/or ironic hipster diner (simulcrum!). I'm not sure what all the people who are complaining expect - it's a DINER, you know, the real kind? Where the food isn't supposed to be spectacular, and the service and coffee should mediocre? Actually, the service at Tommy's was very attentive, but the point is... seriously? Seriously. I loved Tommy's! The service was great and I really enjoyed that so many locals/people who worked in the area were in here. Boy and I went for a late breakfast, and it was most people's lunch break. We saw some people he knew, and the conversation was all about local business and the neighborhood - I find this extremely cool, personally. (Think globally, act locally, comrades!). So, if the locals are going to a local diner, you know it's a good place and not some hipster b.s.... The food was great. We shared some sort of "big breakfast" plate, which included eggs, hashbrown, sausage, and the most insanely good pancakes ever. Ever. Such a good idea to share - it was huge - and for nine bucks, we both got lunch and breakfast! Good Deal. So yeah, I'd definitely recommend checking this place out if you like diners. YUM.
(4)
Darren M.
Great local, family-run diner with a welcoming atmosphere. Each time I have been there it is very busy, but every employee does a great job of treating each customer well. The food is always tasty and the service is quick. I am always very pleased after having a meal with friends at Tommy's. Highly recommended if you are looking for an authentic diner experience for breakfast or lunch.
(5)
Haley W.
I can't think of a place in Columbus that serves a better breakfast. True 50's diner atmosphere, food is stellar, and our server was super sweet and nice, despite how busy she was. Also loved seeing a family owned/run restaurant thriving from doing business the old fashioned way. I will tell any/everyone I know about this place!
(5)
Michael E.
Standard Greek diner Decent food but unworthy Of a special trip
(3)
Gordon M.
Classic diner fare. The staff is awesome, the food is friendly...errr.. or the other way around. I think. Maybe. Here's what I do know: other places try to imitate this kind of atmosphere and fall terribly short... So instead they jack up their prices, adopt some ridiculous name, and sell you on the concept of how trendy they are. Clearly they think you are a pretentious hipster. Tommy and Mike and the guys here don't do that. They just wanna feed you some great food and chat you up. Save money, come here, eat some good food, and enjoy the atmosphere.
(5)
Jess M.
Great Family Joint... Breakfast is extremely reasonably priced...cheap actually...and just love the atmosphere...full of regulars. This is not for the healthy nut, but definitely on target for those who are looking for some good old fashion high calorie breakfast or are looking to nurse a hangover. I support the local joint over the franchises such as Bob Evans anday...and I can guarantee the servers at Tommy's have 10x the heart...you can tell they love where they work
(4)
Keith M.
Originally, I was going to visit a taco truck nearby, but they must have taken a day off. The new Los Camperos restaurant was dark inside and it was only after 1:30. Third times a charm: Tommy's is right there, so biking down W Broad on this wonderfully cool day was not in vain. While they have a parking lot, I was happy to use the first bike rack in Franklinton which I had the city install earlier. Where else would I have put it? Tommy's Diner does it right with that perfect balance between gravy-laden diner grub and that ideal old-school diner atmosphere. Despite being the very definition of a typical diner, this place is an anomaly, at least in this diner under-saturated city. I've been here for breakfast and lunch. For breakfast you can expect the usual: a couple of eggs with your choice of meat, toast, with a side of house fries. For lunch I went with the open face turkey sandwich and despite much or all of it not being made in house it was satisfying diner fare. Sometimes, having your lunch sit in a pool of slightly yellowish gravy is a good thing. I saw that the guy next to me got some awfully delectable-looking fried chicken and I then saw it listed on the daily special menu. I'll have to remember that next time I'm there on a Tuesday. They have Greek yogurt listed among their desserts, which I'm betting is full of fat, none of that low-fat or fat-free Yoplait/Dannon nonsense. They also have a facebook page so that I can double check the specials of the day before heading out. A Columbus stand by that makes good use of modern technology is another big plus. facebook.com/pages/Colum… Even though it was what would usually be considered post-lunchtime, this place was packed with people and many were acquainted with each other which is the kind of ambiance you expect at a neighborhood gathering spot such as this. Adding in the fact that there were throngs of old people that were hanging out and undaunted by the new show bar across the street makes you appreciate the fact that you just won't find this sort of nonchalant coexistence anywhere on High nowadays (OK, maybe S High). For that you have to head out west and you'll be glad you did.
(4)
Nick A.
Six stars+ If I had to choose one restaurant in the city to eat at for the rest of my days, this is it. Full of regulars, consistent staff, Tommy himself... great tasting food, good variety, affordable prices. Crowded, but never too crowded, and always worth the wait if there is one.
(5)
Caroline C.
I'm a huge fan of diners, and I'd heard great things about this place. Gotta admit though that the food at Tommy's Diner really isn't anything spectacular at all. My gyro & feta omelet was tasty, but the side of bacon was cold, and as tough as old boots. The big breakfast was fine but no better than that at Chef's House (Hilliard) where we usually go for Sunday breakfast. Very good coffee though. The booths are fine for 2 people, but large groups are going to have problems. And it is INCREDIBLY noisy. The service was perfunctory, and nothing more. I'm glad we checked it out, but it's not worth the drive.
(3)
Chuck k.
Good breakfasts, neat atmosphere. It's a bit crowded and noisy.
(3)
Vanessa W.
We were sent here by our hotel. The food was good - typical diner food. But the service was excellent and very speedy. Great atmosphere of a mixture of locals. Fun retro decor.
(4)
Michael U.
The best diner I've been to in Columbus. There are many great breakfast places here that rank right up there with the best. I tried to go last week and the line was out the door. We went a little later this time so were sat right away. Great service...fast, friendly and the food was served HOT which seems rare now a days. Highly recommend. Will go back for dinner to try it out.
(5)
Emily L.
if I lived closer to Tommy's, I'd weigh 300 pounds. It's so good. This is a real deal diner. Complete with retro red vinyl booths and pictures of the rich and famous all over the stainless steel walls. Tommy's is just a good old fashioned, family owned place. You can tell they care a lot about the restaurant and I've seen the same severs and staff here for years, which kind of just makes you feel like you're at home here. The menu for breakfast and lunch is huge, but I usually got with a couple specials that are usually on the board. My favorite is Tommy's Country Breakfast. It's a biscuit sliced in half and topped with 2 eggs cooked the way you like them, sausage gravy, and cheddar cheese. It's awesome. I also loved the corned beef hash and the eggs benedict when those are around. I don't get to come here as much as I used to in college, but when I do, it just makes me happy to be here.
(5)
Will P.
Great breakfast Tommy's has one of the best breakfasts in town. The place has an old diner feel to it and the food tastes homemade. I had pancakes and they were great. Would recommend for breakfast expecially if you don't want the usual chain.
(4)
Frank E.
Updating my review of three yeas ago I just have to reiterate how good Tommy's is and that I have become a multi times a week guest at this diner. The staff is friendly and never make you fell anything but welcomed. The food is great and I love trying the daily specials. The prices are reasonable and portion sizes perfect. While getting a seat at prime lunchtime, noon to one, my take a few minutes, it is well worth the wait. All you have to do is look at the diversity of the customers, from laborers, doctors, cops, elected city officials, lawyers, retired couples, and every one in between these, to see that Tommy's caters to every taste. It is the Columbus melting pot. Take time to visit Tommy's and discover your soon to be home away from home.
(5)
Aaron S.
You want the real diner feel....hit Tommy's. Sometimes hard to get a seat. Usually always busy and they close early. So get in and grab a seat at the bar if you can't get a booth. You never know who you will run into here either....all walks of life come through those doors. I kept it simple and got some French toast...which was great in the realm of classic French toast. Atmosphere is what a real diner is. Order up and sit back for some good old fashioned people watching.
(5)
Caroline C.
I'm a huge fan of diners, and I'd heard great things about this place. Gotta admit though that the food at Tommy's Diner really isn't anything spectacular at all. My gyro & feta omelet was tasty, but the side of bacon was cold, and as tough as old boots. The big breakfast was fine but no better than that at Chef's House (Hilliard) where we usually go for Sunday breakfast. Very good coffee though. The booths are fine for 2 people, but large groups are going to have problems. And it is INCREDIBLY noisy. The service was perfunctory, and nothing more. I'm glad we checked it out, but it's not worth the drive.
(3)
Chuck k.
Good breakfasts, neat atmosphere. It's a bit crowded and noisy.
(3)
Vanessa W.
We were sent here by our hotel. The food was good - typical diner food. But the service was excellent and very speedy. Great atmosphere of a mixture of locals. Fun retro decor.
(4)
Michael E.
Standard Greek diner Decent food but unworthy Of a special trip
(3)
Ed P.
Before leaving Columbus and returning home to Cincinnati this past weekend, we made one last stop for breakfast at a little place called Tommy's Diner. From the outside I wasn't expecting much from Tommy's. After parking the car beneath the large sign out front, we weren't sure which direction the restaurant actually was. Fortunately a line of people were leaving the restaurant as we had arrived, so we just followed the crowd into this rather plain-looking building. Once inside, however, it was clear that this truly was a diner. It isn't a dingy diner though, as the booths and tables all seemed to have been updated at least sometime in the last ten years. There are neon lights everywhere and a checkered floor as you would expect from a diner. Autographed photos cover the walls from famous visitors of the past. There was a pretty large crowd in the rather small space, but enough open tables for us to find a seat immediately. After being sat at a booth by who I would assume was Tommy, our server was at our side within minutes to take our drink order. Breakfast is served all day, and most of our group went that route. Though when my twelve-year-old brother-in-law heard that lunch was also available he went straight for the old fashioned burger with American cheese ($4.75). He also ordered a side of fries ($1.95). At this point in our trip he was really into providing ratings to me for my reviews. He rated the burger an 8 out of 10, and the fries just a 5. It seemed that the fries weren't salty enough for his tastes, so once we added a little more salt, he was good to go. My wife ordered a breakfast combo with an omelet and home fries. I didn't have any of the omelet, but I had a big share of the home fries and these were a nice mix of crunchy and soft potatoes. I couldn't find a price online, but the omelets are in the $6 - $7 range and a side of home fries are $1.75. We ordered a short stack of hotcakes for our two-year-old son ($3.50). These were pretty typical pancakes, but with a huge mound of butter. And now for the star of our meal, I ordered the stuffed French toast with fruit topping. This was a large stack of sourdough French toast with a cream cheese filling, topped with a mound of strawberries and a healthy amount of whipped cream. I was in heaven! Our food varied from average to amazing. Our service couldn't have been any nicer and the food was out to us in adequate time. Forget what the outside of Tommy's Diner looks like, there is plenty of good stuff inside.
(4)
Melaney C.
It's worth going here just to meet Tommy or his son, Michael. They are super friendly. I generally run into someone I know, since if you go once, you've got to go again. Food is consistently good classic diner fare with some Greek specialties.
(5)
Hanim S.
This place is very cool - Tommy is awesome (the owner), he greets ever guest that walks in and it seems like he knows everyone....the restaurant is right out of Happy Days, so much to look at and keep your eyes busy while waiting on your food. SPEAKING of food - OH.MY .GOODNES....it is Ah-----mazing....I had the pumpkin spice pancakes topped with apples and handmade whipped cream; and I could BARELY finish it! The kids enjoyed their grilled cheese and ate everything...hubby had meatloaf sandwich and seemed to enjoy it! It is in an interesting side of town, but big parking lot behind the building AND across the street...definetly a place to check out, especially on a Sunday after church!
(4)
Mookie B.
I give it 4 stars, and conveniently located....in Franklinton. Try to eat there about Once a month. Soups are excellent, gyro is fine. Great place to take a client for an informal business lunch.
(4)
Steve R.
Best damn diner in Columbus. Breakfast menu is astounding and lunch is just as good . It is good ole Diner food with all the fixings. I work right down the street and frequent the place often. Highly recommend if your looking for a great diner experience.
(5)
Howard S.
Was the typical diner. Service was fast an the place was crowded at 1 pm. I had the juicy Lucy which is a burger with cheese pressed in it. The meat came out as requested it was angus beef seasoned perfectly. They have their own special sauce on the side. The only downside is I don't eat fries so they substituted a small cole slaw. The size if the cole slaw was disappointing.
(4)
Carol C.
Tommy's Diner sits in that special goldilocks zone between retro and classic. Neon snakes along the ceiling, checkered tiles line the floor, and the menu is 1950's diner fare done right. We strolled in last Saturday morning when I had a craving for brunch, and Tommy himself showed us to a great booth by the window. Before he left, he winked and promised not to charge us extra for the view. It's that comfortable greasy spoon kind of customer service that you come to expect when you order at a counter and sip coffee from a ceramic mug. There's plenty of eye candy to snack on while you wait, including photos of the owner with the Bee Gees and a vintage Coca-Cola machine. But you won't have to wait long, thank goodness, because the table next to you probably has something delicious on it. I ordered a "Breakfast Club" off the Daily Specials menu before I figured out the John Hughes reference, but puns make everything taste better. It was built traditionally, with three toasted slices of wheat bread, romaine, tomato, a pile of ham, strips of bacon, both american and provolone cheeses, and a buttery fried egg. Two cheeses, three proteins, I don't even have to say how good it was. My husband had a sweet tooth so he went with a shortstack of blueberry pancakes and a side of bacon. They're the fluffy kind of cake, not the flat kind, with a good bite of berries and a spongy texture. Warning: If you're a stickler for real syrup, you'll have to tote your own. The bacon was good too, though a little overdone, but he seemed to love it and dipped each piece in syrup. My side of hash browns was undercooked, more like potatoes au gratin, though I can't really complain because I ate nearly all of a portion big enough for two. The wait staff knows what they're doing too, I watched them weave around customers waiting to be seated without skipping a beat, tipping a glass, or even dropping their smiles. We were in and out for $20 in under 30 minutes, but I recommend you come before 10:30am if you want to beat the weekend lunch rush. And trust me, you do. Or better yet, trust Tommy - he won't even charge you extra for the advice.
(4)
troy l.
following Aaron's review went here yesterday for breakfast before i left south since it was on the way. Been here plenty of times over the years and it has always been more for the ambience than the food or service. unless you are a regular you will be served so-so and the food is ok. especially for the $. stuffed french toast is worth a try.
(3)
Luke T.
This is definitely a diner. Kitschy to the max, full of bric-a-brac, and with a killer counter, few diners in Columbus can match it as far as decor and theme are concerned. The prices are also on point for diner-dom status. If you don't order a drink, you'll probably make it out for under $7-8. The menu is pretty extensive, about three pages front and back, one of which is the cover, making about 5 pages worth of items. Being a breakfast guy, I was a bit disappointed that only one of those pages features breakfast items. Breakfast guy or not, I was here for lunch, and I ordered a yummy sounding tuna melt with an order of curly fries. My lunch mate had the cheeseburger, and also ordered the curly fries after an entertaining discussion with the waitress about whether or not the curly ones were better than the regular ones. My tuna melt was a sloppy, gooey, delicious mess. Her cheeseburger was woefully smaller than expected. I would like to go back for breakfast sometime. A diner if ever there was one.
(3)
Edward D.
Goog times, and even better food. Tommy's takes care of their customers the right way!
(5)
Matt W.
Have you ever stepped into a place and felt like you somehow managed to transport yourself to a totally different part of the world? When I stepped into Tommy's Diner, I swore that I'd somehow been transported to upstate New York. A small but classic diner, Tommy's is quick, tasty, and CHEAP. It feels like it should be sitting next to the turnpike, not nestled into Franklinton. The menu is fairly normal diner fare, but the specials board is where it's at. We tried salmon patties and the Grecian Roasted Chicken and both were incredibly flavorful. The lemon potatoes and mac & cheese were excellent sides as well, but the veggie of the day (Green beans) were disappointingly mushy and really obviously out of a can. We also tried their rice pudding for dessert, and WOW. Very obviously made there (our waitress claimed we got the first serving out of a fresh batch), it was rich, thick, creamy, and spiced with just the right amount of cinnamon to give it a great tang. The best part? We were in and out for under $20 and about ~30 minutes. Absolutely worth dropping into - just don't be surprised if the line is out the door.
(4)
Nick P.
One of my favorite places to eat or just grab some coffee and have a nice conversation
(5)
Stanley Z.
Had a chance to go back when they were open. Cool place, food was great. (SEPT 2012) Might be good...but who would know because Ina one horse town known as Columbus there is no such thing as a diner that's open when people want to eat! Luckily, I have found Fitzy's ......open 24/7. That's where you should go.
(5)
Michael G.
Always a treat! Good diner food, good service, good prices, good people!!
(4)
Anita K.
Breakfast doesn't get any better than this! Definitely get a waffle, you will not be sorry!
(5)
Taste Budz Z.
DEREK: Tommy's reminds me of the greasy spoon you love to go to when you need your comfort food. Tommy's just does good food and no matter what, your going to enjoy the experience. TROY: It's like God took a Greek Diner from Jersey and plopped it down in C-bus to show what good home cookin' food can be. It's just that when this place opened, the area was thriving and clean and safe and well you get the picture. DEREK: Although I'm glad I don't live in the neighborhood this little diner is located in, I wish I could put it a block or two from my home. Maybe I can talk them into using Efficient Moving to relocate from Broad Street...what do you think Troy? TROY: Ha ha, shameless plug you kiss a$$. DEREK: I ordered a simple fish and chips platter that also came with coleslaw. Coleslaw is just one of those items that only your mom can make well, but Tommy's was just the way I like it. Not the same as what you get at KFC, but it wasn't too creamy or thick. Very good and it complimented the fish and chips. I received a nice portion of fries and fish fillets and it was exactly the comfort food I need. Not foo foo or unusual, just what you expect from a good diner. TROY: I can't pull myself away from ordering breakfast every freakin time I come here! Eggs are good with lots of margarine making them even more unhealthy. The bacon is the absolute way to go, SKIP the sausage cause its not good (my favorite breakfast sausage is Bob Evans) and is like a pork/hamburger amalgamation like a salisbury steak... TROY: But, oh my, the waffle is from heaven. It's that good, and I'm a waffle fanatic so my opinion matters. Some lame places use their pancake batter to try to make a waffle, huh uh! True waffle batter is an art...a science, and Tommy has the secret recipe. No joke, I'm thinking about bringing my own real maple syrup next time to go insane from it. DEREK: Surprise of the visit was the ample parking for downtown location. Troy can I borrow your handicap placard sometime? Yeah... probably not.
(5)
Ann S.
I always start craving Thanksgiving dinner this time of year and can't wait until the actual holiday. I saw this was one of the few places that had it and we'd never been there before. It was pretty crowded even though we went at what we considered an off peak time. Lots of regulars and the table we were told to sit at was so crammed I actually didn't see it. If you're not a fan of communal seating, hope for a booth. The server was super nice (she reminds me of Karla from The Chew/Top Chef) and the owner was nice too. The hubby really liked his grilled ham and cheese and fries. I got my Thanksgiving dinner for lunch and I was hoping it would be better. Everything tasted very canned/boxed. Maybe I'm just picky because I cook every meal so I'm used to home cooking but the gravy was neon yellow and the potatoes tasted like instant. It wasn't horrible but I was hoping for more. I have a feeling breakfast is their specialty so we'll be back to try that.
(3)
Angela I.
I am a diner snob. I have pretty high breakfast standards, and I'm happy to say that Tommy's did not disappoint. Being an out of towner, I took a gamble and chose Tommy's when I came to Columbus thanks to other great reviews on here. The decor was really fun and the place had a casual family vibe. I believe the owner was in the day we went, and he was making his rounds to all the tables, which I appreciated! I ordered the pumpkin pancakes with apple topping and they were out of this world - and the coffee never stopped flowing! Just as a diner should be. I would definitely return in the future.
(4)
Sarah C.
Ummm.....I HATE Tommy's. Please DO NOT go there! The food is awful and the owners scream at their employees in Greek! Hello! No one can understand you! Not even you're employee! I even saw a waitress cry because the beloved "Tommy" was screaming at her! Please do not go here. It's a waste of money and you will have a horrible experience! I even had an egg shell in my eggs and you know what the response was when I informed my waitress(I'm even terrified to even allude to who she was) "Please don't make me tell my boss, he'll fire me!" OMG really????? I didn't eat and still paid for the meal just so this woman could keep her job! Granted, I watched Tommy on her ass the entire time, but shouldn't they be more focused on customer service? Just a thought... I MAY try their other restaurants ,Milo's, the Sate House place, not sure of the official name, Kraft # 5, but I assume their all ran the same...so we'll see....more reviews to come....
(1)
Dan H.
Where to start? I've been coming to Tommy's with three friends for breakfast every Wednesday for the last couple of years, and when I walk in at 6, our table is already set up with coffee cups and water glasses. Denise (who has been working here for 11 years) always knows exactly how we like our breakfast orders, even knows how much coffee each of us prefers, and always can tell if we need something and when we don't. In other words the perfect server! To me, a place might have the most delicious food in town, but if the service is rotten, I'm never going back. A place is only as good as its employees, and this place has got it. Plus, it's fortunate to actually have some of the best food in town!! The biscuits and gravy, the pancakes, the french toast, the eggs, the hash, the specials, oh -- the sweet rolls! .... I always find it hard to decide. Everything is outstanding. An all around awesome place. No wonder it's been around for so long. A visit to Columbus is never complete without a trip to Tommy's.
(5)
Irene S.
We've been going to Tommy's Diner almost every Saturday for years, so that makes us regulars. We have "cheated" on Tom Pappas a few times by going to Cracker Barrel & Bob Evans for breakfast/lunch, and even though their food is decent, they really can't compete with this joint. I believe we've tried most everything on the menu by this point, but my absolute faves are the tuna salad gyro w/sweet potato fries, the potato soup w/fish sandwich on Fridays, and a Greek salad w/Pastichio - an authentic Greek (duh) specialty with heavenly beschamel layers. Ask your waitress for an end piece so you get two crispy sides! My husband really loves the cinnamon swirl pancakes, but he's been ordering lunch items lately to get out of his breakfast rut, and reports that everything he's tried has been top notch. The most positive thing about Tommy's Diner (besides the delicious food) is the sense of community. It's FUN to gather with a bunch of friendly people with happy faces eating great food. Yeah, it does get really loud when the place is humming (especially on Buckeyes football Saturdays), but that just adds to the ambience. Cap City Diner is wonderful as well, but c'mon folks: we all know that ain't a true diner!
(5)
Zeta P.
Loved this place. Total classic diner fare and atmosphere. Seems like a very regulars crowd. It's a little loud as other reviews said but I liked the hub bub of it. Steak and eggs with a perfect sunny side up totally cured me from the one too many cocktails blues. Hubs loved his eggs benedict ....Greasy spoon goodness:)
(5)
Kyle J.
I love diner food. This place is so cool. Full of all kinds of different people, I've gone here for lunch twice now. I always get the potato soup when it's available. I add cheese and bacon which they crisp to death (just the way I like it) and mix it with some crackers. I've also had omelettes and a gyro which both are quite tasty. For a diner they have all the basics, plus burgers, gyros, and daily specials. Plus it's pretty cheap! I usually go here on Fridays with two guys I work with for lunch and the people watching is always top notch. It can become very noisy and busy but, seriously, what else do you expect from a diner? I can't recommend this place enough, it's great. Say hi to Tommy when you go, he's most likely there.
(4)
Chantel C.
We went on a Sunday afternoon, it was very busy, loud and we were very cramped by the door. My honey felt as though they were seating others before us due to maybe who they were, but I don't know that for sure. When we finally got sat our server was prompt to get to us and was surprisingly on top of our table despite the busyess. I wouldn't say she was the most friendly or social, but she did the job. The menu is very extensive for such a small place and so many choices plus they have specials everyday too. I tried something I have never had before in my life, but have heard people say how good it is and that is fried chicken and waffles. The waffle was huge and had a nice crisp to it, but the chicken was tepid at best and was just chicken fingers that seemed not fried long enough. I got a side of home fries with cheese and onions and those were really hot and tasty. The food was decent enough for all 3 of us sitting at the table, but if I go back I will be trying something non breakfast and on their normal menu since I imagine that is what they are known for. Oh the bathroom was very clean too. I give 3 stars because of the hours being so limited, the waiting space also being so cramped and my chicken being not very warm and not crispy.
(3)
Goose R.
First of all, not complaining, just saying, why is it called a diner where you cannot even dine here? It closes at 3pm. Should be called cafeteria or something. Again, just saying. Came here for lunch, 12ish. There was a line to get in. I heard a guy said he came from Florida straight to eat here. I ordered the Cajun chicken sandwich per a friends recommendation. The sandwich was OK, Nothing to write home about. 1 slice of lettuce? wow, really? Man, talk about cutting down prices. My friend ordered a decent looking Angus burger. Overall an OK place to go to eat. Wait 15 mins in line? I think not.
(3)
Christiana C.
When I stepped into Tommy's, I almost feel like I stepped into a different time period. This place is so so awesome. I think this place would be awesome to take someone visiting Columbus. The place was packed when we came around lunchtime on a weekday, but we only waited 5 minutes for a table to open up. We sat by a bunch of Beegees signed photos (awesome) and the waitstaff was with us instantly. I also loved that the waitstaff was REAL. I felt like I was just talking to someone instead of being given a pre-memorized script while their eyes keep roaming beyond my face. Is this the best food I ever had? No, it is not. But I still loved it more than any Bob Evans (stop ruining my eggs, Bob!) and I do think that the quality of the food was pretty well reflected in the product. And if I get an awesom ambiance and awesome service in the meantime, I'm on board.
(4)
Karrie B.
#1 50's diner in Columbus. Traditional, Greek, and biscuits and gravy....they're all good.
(5)
Andrew C.
If you like french toast made out of wonder bread with two heaping scoops of margerin and log cabin syrup.......this is your place......otherwise stay away!! We also had the bacon cheese omlet, thinking how hard is it to screw that up, well they managed by having dense scrambled eggs with velveeta cheese on top......mmmmmm.
(1)
Craig L.
Based on how busy this place was when I visited I am a little scared for my health to only give it 4 stars. But, I guess I will just have to take the risk. The first thing you notice when you walk in to Tommy's is the 50's style decor. It is fun, seemingly authentic, not chochy. I saddled up to the counter which was a little cramped (and I sit at a lot of counters/bars). The service was solid, not fast, but respectable. I got an omelet which was very nicely prepared. Not too much salt and very fluffy. And BIG props for serving Breakfast after Noon! The coffee was good, in a diner kinda way. Certainly not the best cup of joe I have ever had but good. All in all, a very solid choice for breakfast.
(4)
Dean T.
Classic diner. Great decor. Excellent food.
(4)
Melanie B.
I agree with Paul F! If I lived in Franklinton (which, btw, I am very enamored with), I'd be here all the time. Tommy's is a true diner, not a cheesy and/or ironic hipster diner (simulcrum!). I'm not sure what all the people who are complaining expect - it's a DINER, you know, the real kind? Where the food isn't supposed to be spectacular, and the service and coffee should mediocre? Actually, the service at Tommy's was very attentive, but the point is... seriously? Seriously. I loved Tommy's! The service was great and I really enjoyed that so many locals/people who worked in the area were in here. Boy and I went for a late breakfast, and it was most people's lunch break. We saw some people he knew, and the conversation was all about local business and the neighborhood - I find this extremely cool, personally. (Think globally, act locally, comrades!). So, if the locals are going to a local diner, you know it's a good place and not some hipster b.s.... The food was great. We shared some sort of "big breakfast" plate, which included eggs, hashbrown, sausage, and the most insanely good pancakes ever. Ever. Such a good idea to share - it was huge - and for nine bucks, we both got lunch and breakfast! Good Deal. So yeah, I'd definitely recommend checking this place out if you like diners. YUM.
(4)
Darren M.
Great local, family-run diner with a welcoming atmosphere. Each time I have been there it is very busy, but every employee does a great job of treating each customer well. The food is always tasty and the service is quick. I am always very pleased after having a meal with friends at Tommy's. Highly recommended if you are looking for an authentic diner experience for breakfast or lunch.
(5)
Haley W.
I can't think of a place in Columbus that serves a better breakfast. True 50's diner atmosphere, food is stellar, and our server was super sweet and nice, despite how busy she was. Also loved seeing a family owned/run restaurant thriving from doing business the old fashioned way. I will tell any/everyone I know about this place!
(5)
niki q.
As soon we we walked in, we were greeted by Tom who offered us "the wost table in the place" beside the long line of customers and directly in front of the door. We were seated beneath a picture of Telly Savalas and could hear Harry Nilsson playing on the stereo and I know we were in for a treat! The horrible table ended up being kind of great because we got to watch Tom in action during our meal. He knew everyone that came in and you could tell that everyone loved him. We did too. And we also loved the gyros and onion rings. With tip, our meal for two (which was both delicious and ridiculously filling) came in under $20. I will be back.. and back and back.
(5)
Steve And Lazz D.
I would not recommend this place to others. The Owner was very rude to me. The waitress took our order and we did not see her again until it was time for the check. When she gave us our check, she noticed that I did not eat my breakfast. I explained to her it was cold when I got it and not what I expected. THe owner then came to my table and said sorry I did not like it, but that i should have ate it, cause he couldn't eat. I was surprised at the remark and offended, so we left. Sounds like TOmmy and his staff has treated other customers with smiling faces, but we did not experience that.
(2)
Gordon M.
Classic diner fare. The staff is awesome, the food is friendly...errr.. or the other way around. I think. Maybe. Here's what I do know: other places try to imitate this kind of atmosphere and fall terribly short... So instead they jack up their prices, adopt some ridiculous name, and sell you on the concept of how trendy they are. Clearly they think you are a pretentious hipster. Tommy and Mike and the guys here don't do that. They just wanna feed you some great food and chat you up. Save money, come here, eat some good food, and enjoy the atmosphere.
(5)
Jess M.
Great Family Joint... Breakfast is extremely reasonably priced...cheap actually...and just love the atmosphere...full of regulars. This is not for the healthy nut, but definitely on target for those who are looking for some good old fashion high calorie breakfast or are looking to nurse a hangover. I support the local joint over the franchises such as Bob Evans anday...and I can guarantee the servers at Tommy's have 10x the heart...you can tell they love where they work
(4)
Luke T.
This is definitely a diner. Kitschy to the max, full of bric-a-brac, and with a killer counter, few diners in Columbus can match it as far as decor and theme are concerned. The prices are also on point for diner-dom status. If you don't order a drink, you'll probably make it out for under $7-8. The menu is pretty extensive, about three pages front and back, one of which is the cover, making about 5 pages worth of items. Being a breakfast guy, I was a bit disappointed that only one of those pages features breakfast items. Breakfast guy or not, I was here for lunch, and I ordered a yummy sounding tuna melt with an order of curly fries. My lunch mate had the cheeseburger, and also ordered the curly fries after an entertaining discussion with the waitress about whether or not the curly ones were better than the regular ones. My tuna melt was a sloppy, gooey, delicious mess. Her cheeseburger was woefully smaller than expected. I would like to go back for breakfast sometime. A diner if ever there was one.
(3)
Matt W.
Have you ever stepped into a place and felt like you somehow managed to transport yourself to a totally different part of the world? When I stepped into Tommy's Diner, I swore that I'd somehow been transported to upstate New York. A small but classic diner, Tommy's is quick, tasty, and CHEAP. It feels like it should be sitting next to the turnpike, not nestled into Franklinton. The menu is fairly normal diner fare, but the specials board is where it's at. We tried salmon patties and the Grecian Roasted Chicken and both were incredibly flavorful. The lemon potatoes and mac & cheese were excellent sides as well, but the veggie of the day (Green beans) were disappointingly mushy and really obviously out of a can. We also tried their rice pudding for dessert, and WOW. Very obviously made there (our waitress claimed we got the first serving out of a fresh batch), it was rich, thick, creamy, and spiced with just the right amount of cinnamon to give it a great tang. The best part? We were in and out for under $20 and about ~30 minutes. Absolutely worth dropping into - just don't be surprised if the line is out the door.
(4)
Howard S.
Was the typical diner. Service was fast an the place was crowded at 1 pm. I had the juicy Lucy which is a burger with cheese pressed in it. The meat came out as requested it was angus beef seasoned perfectly. They have their own special sauce on the side. The only downside is I don't eat fries so they substituted a small cole slaw. The size if the cole slaw was disappointing.
(4)
Edward D.
Goog times, and even better food. Tommy's takes care of their customers the right way!
(5)
Aaron A.
Woah baby! Tommy's is great to visit on weekdays! I have only been there for weekend breakfast. I visited on a Wednesday around 1pm and got a great booth right away. Plenty of tables for a late lunch. One of the Wednesday specials is a fish basket. I like to order fish and chips when it's on the menu and Tommy's fried fish is FANTASTIC! Absolutely mouth watering. Spicy, crispy batter, juicy, flaky, tender, super fresh, SO GOOD. This is one of the best pieces of fried fish I have ever eaten, and all I had to do was go to Tommy's for lunch instead of brunch. They serve this absolutely divine fish in huge portions every Wednesday. It makes me wonder what other unbelievable daily specials are waiting to be discovered. Tommy's is the best!
(5)
Martha W.
4.5 stars. My friends brought me here over the weekend and I fell in love. How could I have missed this place for so long? Excellent diner, at every level: good food (we had eggs, French toast, coffee, etc.), cheerful service, welcoming atmosphere, fantastic decor. Love. It. Tommy's -- You're fab.
(4)
Cherie B.
We LOVE Tommy's!! Best breakfast in town!! Try the new outside seating. It is lovely. Order mimosas or bloody mary's. They are always amazing. Also, the Greek omelet and eggs Benedict are to die for. Give them a try! Tommy is there himself. Be sure to say hello to him.
(5)
Tanja M.
Tommy's Diner is great! I've only had breakfast food here but it was amazing. The stuffed French toast special is to die for, the waffles are one of the best I've had, and they generally cook everything really well. I get annoyed at breakfast places for undercooking or overcooking the eggs but Tommy's gets it right every time. A huge plus is that it is very affordable!! The service is great and the owner is really friendly!
(5)
Jen F.
Always a fantastic meal. Love the diner feel. The wait staff is always outstanding! We have been going to Tommy's for years and 95% of the staff has been there long before we started going. That is a true sign of a well run restaurant. Michael is always so welcoming.. Marie always treats us as family... We just love her. Jen is awesome as well!! Now on to the food.. I'm not a huge breakfast fan, but their western omelette is the bomb! I have never had a bad meal that's for sure. Highly recommended!!
(5)
Mimi W.
I love diners and I love Tommy's. I grew up in Columbus and didn't know about this place til my hubby took me there this past summer. Since then it's become one of our favorite dining options. I love love love love the corned beef hash and the home fries w/gravy. The place is always packed or near-packed but we've never experienced lowered service because of it. This is the diner to which I compare all other diners in the city.
(5)
Michael B.
This diner is somewhat of a local establishment in Columbus. Great breakfast menu, and an even better eggs Benedict! A weekend morning favorite. I can't fault the restaurant for this, but it does have a tendency to get a little loud inside.
(4)
Emily L.
if I lived closer to Tommy's, I'd weigh 300 pounds. It's so good. This is a real deal diner. Complete with retro red vinyl booths and pictures of the rich and famous all over the stainless steel walls. Tommy's is just a good old fashioned, family owned place. You can tell they care a lot about the restaurant and I've seen the same severs and staff here for years, which kind of just makes you feel like you're at home here. The menu for breakfast and lunch is huge, but I usually got with a couple specials that are usually on the board. My favorite is Tommy's Country Breakfast. It's a biscuit sliced in half and topped with 2 eggs cooked the way you like them, sausage gravy, and cheddar cheese. It's awesome. I also loved the corned beef hash and the eggs benedict when those are around. I don't get to come here as much as I used to in college, but when I do, it just makes me happy to be here.
(5)
Will P.
Great breakfast Tommy's has one of the best breakfasts in town. The place has an old diner feel to it and the food tastes homemade. I had pancakes and they were great. Would recommend for breakfast expecially if you don't want the usual chain.
(4)
Michael U.
The best diner I've been to in Columbus. There are many great breakfast places here that rank right up there with the best. I tried to go last week and the line was out the door. We went a little later this time so were sat right away. Great service...fast, friendly and the food was served HOT which seems rare now a days. Highly recommend. Will go back for dinner to try it out.
(5)
Frank E.
Updating my review of three yeas ago I just have to reiterate how good Tommy's is and that I have become a multi times a week guest at this diner. The staff is friendly and never make you fell anything but welcomed. The food is great and I love trying the daily specials. The prices are reasonable and portion sizes perfect. While getting a seat at prime lunchtime, noon to one, my take a few minutes, it is well worth the wait. All you have to do is look at the diversity of the customers, from laborers, doctors, cops, elected city officials, lawyers, retired couples, and every one in between these, to see that Tommy's caters to every taste. It is the Columbus melting pot. Take time to visit Tommy's and discover your soon to be home away from home.
(5)
Aaron S.
You want the real diner feel....hit Tommy's. Sometimes hard to get a seat. Usually always busy and they close early. So get in and grab a seat at the bar if you can't get a booth. You never know who you will run into here either....all walks of life come through those doors. I kept it simple and got some French toast...which was great in the realm of classic French toast. Atmosphere is what a real diner is. Order up and sit back for some good old fashioned people watching.
(5)
Mookie B.
I give it 4 stars, and conveniently located....in Franklinton. Try to eat there about Once a month. Soups are excellent, gyro is fine. Great place to take a client for an informal business lunch.
(4)
Steve R.
Best damn diner in Columbus. Breakfast menu is astounding and lunch is just as good . It is good ole Diner food with all the fixings. I work right down the street and frequent the place often. Highly recommend if your looking for a great diner experience.
(5)
Ed P.
Before leaving Columbus and returning home to Cincinnati this past weekend, we made one last stop for breakfast at a little place called Tommy's Diner. From the outside I wasn't expecting much from Tommy's. After parking the car beneath the large sign out front, we weren't sure which direction the restaurant actually was. Fortunately a line of people were leaving the restaurant as we had arrived, so we just followed the crowd into this rather plain-looking building. Once inside, however, it was clear that this truly was a diner. It isn't a dingy diner though, as the booths and tables all seemed to have been updated at least sometime in the last ten years. There are neon lights everywhere and a checkered floor as you would expect from a diner. Autographed photos cover the walls from famous visitors of the past. There was a pretty large crowd in the rather small space, but enough open tables for us to find a seat immediately. After being sat at a booth by who I would assume was Tommy, our server was at our side within minutes to take our drink order. Breakfast is served all day, and most of our group went that route. Though when my twelve-year-old brother-in-law heard that lunch was also available he went straight for the old fashioned burger with American cheese ($4.75). He also ordered a side of fries ($1.95). At this point in our trip he was really into providing ratings to me for my reviews. He rated the burger an 8 out of 10, and the fries just a 5. It seemed that the fries weren't salty enough for his tastes, so once we added a little more salt, he was good to go. My wife ordered a breakfast combo with an omelet and home fries. I didn't have any of the omelet, but I had a big share of the home fries and these were a nice mix of crunchy and soft potatoes. I couldn't find a price online, but the omelets are in the $6 - $7 range and a side of home fries are $1.75. We ordered a short stack of hotcakes for our two-year-old son ($3.50). These were pretty typical pancakes, but with a huge mound of butter. And now for the star of our meal, I ordered the stuffed French toast with fruit topping. This was a large stack of sourdough French toast with a cream cheese filling, topped with a mound of strawberries and a healthy amount of whipped cream. I was in heaven! Our food varied from average to amazing. Our service couldn't have been any nicer and the food was out to us in adequate time. Forget what the outside of Tommy's Diner looks like, there is plenty of good stuff inside.
(4)
Melaney C.
It's worth going here just to meet Tommy or his son, Michael. They are super friendly. I generally run into someone I know, since if you go once, you've got to go again. Food is consistently good classic diner fare with some Greek specialties.
(5)
Hanim S.
This place is very cool - Tommy is awesome (the owner), he greets ever guest that walks in and it seems like he knows everyone....the restaurant is right out of Happy Days, so much to look at and keep your eyes busy while waiting on your food. SPEAKING of food - OH.MY .GOODNES....it is Ah-----mazing....I had the pumpkin spice pancakes topped with apples and handmade whipped cream; and I could BARELY finish it! The kids enjoyed their grilled cheese and ate everything...hubby had meatloaf sandwich and seemed to enjoy it! It is in an interesting side of town, but big parking lot behind the building AND across the street...definetly a place to check out, especially on a Sunday after church!
(4)
Carol C.
Tommy's Diner sits in that special goldilocks zone between retro and classic. Neon snakes along the ceiling, checkered tiles line the floor, and the menu is 1950's diner fare done right. We strolled in last Saturday morning when I had a craving for brunch, and Tommy himself showed us to a great booth by the window. Before he left, he winked and promised not to charge us extra for the view. It's that comfortable greasy spoon kind of customer service that you come to expect when you order at a counter and sip coffee from a ceramic mug. There's plenty of eye candy to snack on while you wait, including photos of the owner with the Bee Gees and a vintage Coca-Cola machine. But you won't have to wait long, thank goodness, because the table next to you probably has something delicious on it. I ordered a "Breakfast Club" off the Daily Specials menu before I figured out the John Hughes reference, but puns make everything taste better. It was built traditionally, with three toasted slices of wheat bread, romaine, tomato, a pile of ham, strips of bacon, both american and provolone cheeses, and a buttery fried egg. Two cheeses, three proteins, I don't even have to say how good it was. My husband had a sweet tooth so he went with a shortstack of blueberry pancakes and a side of bacon. They're the fluffy kind of cake, not the flat kind, with a good bite of berries and a spongy texture. Warning: If you're a stickler for real syrup, you'll have to tote your own. The bacon was good too, though a little overdone, but he seemed to love it and dipped each piece in syrup. My side of hash browns was undercooked, more like potatoes au gratin, though I can't really complain because I ate nearly all of a portion big enough for two. The wait staff knows what they're doing too, I watched them weave around customers waiting to be seated without skipping a beat, tipping a glass, or even dropping their smiles. We were in and out for $20 in under 30 minutes, but I recommend you come before 10:30am if you want to beat the weekend lunch rush. And trust me, you do. Or better yet, trust Tommy - he won't even charge you extra for the advice.
(4)
troy l.
following Aaron's review went here yesterday for breakfast before i left south since it was on the way. Been here plenty of times over the years and it has always been more for the ambience than the food or service. unless you are a regular you will be served so-so and the food is ok. especially for the $. stuffed french toast is worth a try.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Mike G.
Before you go to Tommy's Dinner: One caveat for you. The tables are so close together that it's almost communal seating. There's no sense of privacy here at all, so if you've got any juicy personal issues to discuss, be aware that your neighbors will most likely be all up in your business. Anyways, when I asked for recommendations for great fish and chips, Aaron A. replied to the talk thread: "Tommy's Diner on Broad St. has a KILLER fish basket on Wednesdays." So I have a Veteran Yelper's recommendation, "Killer" in caps, it's Wednesday and I'm hungry for fish and chips...Let's do it! $7.95 gets you a very generous portion. Now they aren't what I would call fish and chips as in a traditional Irish pub style fish and chips, but they are a really great diner type fried fish and fries. Breading was crispy and crunchy with a really fresh tasting whitefish inside. The fries were very good too. The Cole slaw was alright, needed a splash of vinegar. The tartar sauce was house made excellence. Only thing missing was Guinness, which they don't serve.
(4)Robyn H.
This was the second stop on our diner tour and what a great stop it was. Tommy's diner was packed and we now know why. We had 7 people in our party and they set up a table for us and immediately we sat. We all had different meals and we were all equally happy with our choices. We will definitely be back!!
(4)Zack R.
Pretty solid breakfast for me and a couple other people. The place was packed full of neighborhood regulars. I think we were the only people that didn't know everyone in the place, not that this was a bad thing. Everybody was just in really good spirits and talking to each other. The owner seemed to know everyone as well. He was a really nice guy. The food was decent. My biscuits tasted a little Bisquick-y, but the gravy was really tasty. My sister had scrambled eggs on an English muffin with cheese and some really tasty crispy bacon. The place was packed, but the wait was short. The food was priced reasonably and the staff was friendly.
(4)Tash L.
What can I say about this place except that it may just be the best diner in town! A family owned and operated restaurant with the friendliest "regulars" you'll ever meet. I'm new to Columbus and our neighbors to the left and right were so sweet - we chatted about the multitude of options on the menu and the other things to see, do and eat in Co-Oh. They even broke out paper and pen to write down other restaurant suggestions! Now back to the restaurant review. The food here was a pleasant surprise. If you're looking for an upscale breakfast with an authentic diner feel - this is the place for you. I had the Eggs Benedict turned Florentine since I don't eat ham and my breakfast companion had the stuffed french toast with pumpkin cream cheese, fresh fruit and homemade whip cream - YUM! The portions were huge and the service here is great. We even met Tommy himself - a hardworking man who has earned customer loyalty through great service and a friendly smile. This place is a must-visit if you haven't been there yet!
(5)Todd F.
The food selection is unreal! LOVE this place! Come see and you will not be disappointed!
(5)Tom C.
I was hoping to fine a diner to call my home, what a huge disappointment. The Pastitsio had no flavor and the Bechamel Sauce was not properly cooked. My greek salad was nothing more than lettuce, 1 tomato wedge, 1 slice of cucumber, 2 olives, 1 pepper, a 1/2 tablespoon of Feta. The service was, "Flag me down and maybe I will help you." attitude.
(1)Jess T.
I recently discovered this place doing some student teaching from a school not far from here. Having driven by it almost every day, I finally asked one of the teachers at my school that is from the area. She told me that Tommy's was one of her favorite places and that I had to check it out. The first time I visited Tommy's I picked up a grilled cheese to go. When I arrived around 12:30, the place was hopping, filled with friends meeting for lunch as well as couples enjoying a milkshake. The decor inside Tommy's makes you feel as though you've stepped back in time to the 1950's, which is pretty awesome. The second time I visited Tommy's, I brought my dad. We sat at a booth and were immediately greeted with water. My dad ordered a sweet tea. As usual, I got a grilled cheese and my dad got pancakes with sausage. He told me that he thoroughly enjoyed every bite. At the end of our lunch, I ordered a chocolate milkshake to go and it was darn good. This place only stays open till about 4 during the week, but serves breakfast all day. Yum!!
(5)Pao P.
Nice little place to eat breakfast. A little tight but looks very 50's. Has a lot of pictures inside. Got the 2 eggs, sausage and homefries with toast. Waitresses are friendly.
(4)Tiffany C.
Tommy's knows a thing or two about serving up breakfast to the hungry stomachs of Franklinton and surrounding area. Come in here on a weekend morning and you'll be lucky to grab a seat. They keep this place pretty packed, and I'll admit, I wasn't put away by this place at all. It was actually a decent breakfast. Tommy's is an interesting place. They offer a simple bar selection, but their hours don't go beyond 2-3pm, so for all you hankering for a beer with your Western omelet, this is the place. The inside is neat and looks great. It's definitely not what you'd expect for this side of town, but the booths were a throwback to the overly fantasized 1950's diner, including the black and white flooring, and Elvis and Marilyn Monroe memorabilia. The custom painting of the Elvis downing a cheeseburger with the owner is fantastic! I LOVE IT! You'll also find random pictures of well-known personalities (local and out of towners) posing with the owner. My experience here over-all was great! The service was awesome, the food was timely, and it was delicious. The potatoes were decent, and cooked the way I prefer my breakfast potatoes (not cubed) and the eggs were cooked perfectly... not slimey eggs here. Even the toast was average, but good. It's amazing to come here and people watch. They cater to all walks of life from older folks meeting up before church, to families, to working artists of Franklinton. It's just a good community vibe here, and you'll also see the owner walking about, saying 'Hi' and joshing the locals. I really wouldn't mind becoming a regular here. It's a nice little place for a good hearty breakfast on the shadows of downtown. Worth a stop!
(5)Steve And Lazz D.
I would not recommend this place to others. The Owner was very rude to me. The waitress took our order and we did not see her again until it was time for the check. When she gave us our check, she noticed that I did not eat my breakfast. I explained to her it was cold when I got it and not what I expected. THe owner then came to my table and said sorry I did not like it, but that i should have ate it, cause he couldn't eat. I was surprised at the remark and offended, so we left. Sounds like TOmmy and his staff has treated other customers with smiling faces, but we did not experience that.
(2)Taste Budz Z.
DEREK: Tommy's reminds me of the greasy spoon you love to go to when you need your comfort food. Tommy's just does good food and no matter what, your going to enjoy the experience. TROY: It's like God took a Greek Diner from Jersey and plopped it down in C-bus to show what good home cookin' food can be. It's just that when this place opened, the area was thriving and clean and safe and well you get the picture. DEREK: Although I'm glad I don't live in the neighborhood this little diner is located in, I wish I could put it a block or two from my home. Maybe I can talk them into using Efficient Moving to relocate from Broad Street...what do you think Troy? TROY: Ha ha, shameless plug you kiss a$$. DEREK: I ordered a simple fish and chips platter that also came with coleslaw. Coleslaw is just one of those items that only your mom can make well, but Tommy's was just the way I like it. Not the same as what you get at KFC, but it wasn't too creamy or thick. Very good and it complimented the fish and chips. I received a nice portion of fries and fish fillets and it was exactly the comfort food I need. Not foo foo or unusual, just what you expect from a good diner. TROY: I can't pull myself away from ordering breakfast every freakin time I come here! Eggs are good with lots of margarine making them even more unhealthy. The bacon is the absolute way to go, SKIP the sausage cause its not good (my favorite breakfast sausage is Bob Evans) and is like a pork/hamburger amalgamation like a salisbury steak... TROY: But, oh my, the waffle is from heaven. It's that good, and I'm a waffle fanatic so my opinion matters. Some lame places use their pancake batter to try to make a waffle, huh uh! True waffle batter is an art...a science, and Tommy has the secret recipe. No joke, I'm thinking about bringing my own real maple syrup next time to go insane from it. DEREK: Surprise of the visit was the ample parking for downtown location. Troy can I borrow your handicap placard sometime? Yeah... probably not.
(5)Ann S.
I always start craving Thanksgiving dinner this time of year and can't wait until the actual holiday. I saw this was one of the few places that had it and we'd never been there before. It was pretty crowded even though we went at what we considered an off peak time. Lots of regulars and the table we were told to sit at was so crammed I actually didn't see it. If you're not a fan of communal seating, hope for a booth. The server was super nice (she reminds me of Karla from The Chew/Top Chef) and the owner was nice too. The hubby really liked his grilled ham and cheese and fries. I got my Thanksgiving dinner for lunch and I was hoping it would be better. Everything tasted very canned/boxed. Maybe I'm just picky because I cook every meal so I'm used to home cooking but the gravy was neon yellow and the potatoes tasted like instant. It wasn't horrible but I was hoping for more. I have a feeling breakfast is their specialty so we'll be back to try that.
(3)Angela I.
I am a diner snob. I have pretty high breakfast standards, and I'm happy to say that Tommy's did not disappoint. Being an out of towner, I took a gamble and chose Tommy's when I came to Columbus thanks to other great reviews on here. The decor was really fun and the place had a casual family vibe. I believe the owner was in the day we went, and he was making his rounds to all the tables, which I appreciated! I ordered the pumpkin pancakes with apple topping and they were out of this world - and the coffee never stopped flowing! Just as a diner should be. I would definitely return in the future.
(4)Sarah C.
Ummm.....I HATE Tommy's. Please DO NOT go there! The food is awful and the owners scream at their employees in Greek! Hello! No one can understand you! Not even you're employee! I even saw a waitress cry because the beloved "Tommy" was screaming at her! Please do not go here. It's a waste of money and you will have a horrible experience! I even had an egg shell in my eggs and you know what the response was when I informed my waitress(I'm even terrified to even allude to who she was) "Please don't make me tell my boss, he'll fire me!" OMG really????? I didn't eat and still paid for the meal just so this woman could keep her job! Granted, I watched Tommy on her ass the entire time, but shouldn't they be more focused on customer service? Just a thought... I MAY try their other restaurants ,Milo's, the Sate House place, not sure of the official name, Kraft # 5, but I assume their all ran the same...so we'll see....more reviews to come....
(1)Dan H.
Where to start? I've been coming to Tommy's with three friends for breakfast every Wednesday for the last couple of years, and when I walk in at 6, our table is already set up with coffee cups and water glasses. Denise (who has been working here for 11 years) always knows exactly how we like our breakfast orders, even knows how much coffee each of us prefers, and always can tell if we need something and when we don't. In other words the perfect server! To me, a place might have the most delicious food in town, but if the service is rotten, I'm never going back. A place is only as good as its employees, and this place has got it. Plus, it's fortunate to actually have some of the best food in town!! The biscuits and gravy, the pancakes, the french toast, the eggs, the hash, the specials, oh -- the sweet rolls! .... I always find it hard to decide. Everything is outstanding. An all around awesome place. No wonder it's been around for so long. A visit to Columbus is never complete without a trip to Tommy's.
(5)Irene S.
We've been going to Tommy's Diner almost every Saturday for years, so that makes us regulars. We have "cheated" on Tom Pappas a few times by going to Cracker Barrel & Bob Evans for breakfast/lunch, and even though their food is decent, they really can't compete with this joint. I believe we've tried most everything on the menu by this point, but my absolute faves are the tuna salad gyro w/sweet potato fries, the potato soup w/fish sandwich on Fridays, and a Greek salad w/Pastichio - an authentic Greek (duh) specialty with heavenly beschamel layers. Ask your waitress for an end piece so you get two crispy sides! My husband really loves the cinnamon swirl pancakes, but he's been ordering lunch items lately to get out of his breakfast rut, and reports that everything he's tried has been top notch. The most positive thing about Tommy's Diner (besides the delicious food) is the sense of community. It's FUN to gather with a bunch of friendly people with happy faces eating great food. Yeah, it does get really loud when the place is humming (especially on Buckeyes football Saturdays), but that just adds to the ambience. Cap City Diner is wonderful as well, but c'mon folks: we all know that ain't a true diner!
(5)Nick P.
One of my favorite places to eat or just grab some coffee and have a nice conversation
(5)Stanley Z.
Had a chance to go back when they were open. Cool place, food was great. (SEPT 2012) Might be good...but who would know because Ina one horse town known as Columbus there is no such thing as a diner that's open when people want to eat! Luckily, I have found Fitzy's ......open 24/7. That's where you should go.
(5)Michael G.
Always a treat! Good diner food, good service, good prices, good people!!
(4)Anita K.
Breakfast doesn't get any better than this! Definitely get a waffle, you will not be sorry!
(5)Zeta P.
Loved this place. Total classic diner fare and atmosphere. Seems like a very regulars crowd. It's a little loud as other reviews said but I liked the hub bub of it. Steak and eggs with a perfect sunny side up totally cured me from the one too many cocktails blues. Hubs loved his eggs benedict ....Greasy spoon goodness:)
(5)Kyle J.
I love diner food. This place is so cool. Full of all kinds of different people, I've gone here for lunch twice now. I always get the potato soup when it's available. I add cheese and bacon which they crisp to death (just the way I like it) and mix it with some crackers. I've also had omelettes and a gyro which both are quite tasty. For a diner they have all the basics, plus burgers, gyros, and daily specials. Plus it's pretty cheap! I usually go here on Fridays with two guys I work with for lunch and the people watching is always top notch. It can become very noisy and busy but, seriously, what else do you expect from a diner? I can't recommend this place enough, it's great. Say hi to Tommy when you go, he's most likely there.
(4)Chantel C.
We went on a Sunday afternoon, it was very busy, loud and we were very cramped by the door. My honey felt as though they were seating others before us due to maybe who they were, but I don't know that for sure. When we finally got sat our server was prompt to get to us and was surprisingly on top of our table despite the busyess. I wouldn't say she was the most friendly or social, but she did the job. The menu is very extensive for such a small place and so many choices plus they have specials everyday too. I tried something I have never had before in my life, but have heard people say how good it is and that is fried chicken and waffles. The waffle was huge and had a nice crisp to it, but the chicken was tepid at best and was just chicken fingers that seemed not fried long enough. I got a side of home fries with cheese and onions and those were really hot and tasty. The food was decent enough for all 3 of us sitting at the table, but if I go back I will be trying something non breakfast and on their normal menu since I imagine that is what they are known for. Oh the bathroom was very clean too. I give 3 stars because of the hours being so limited, the waiting space also being so cramped and my chicken being not very warm and not crispy.
(3)Goose R.
First of all, not complaining, just saying, why is it called a diner where you cannot even dine here? It closes at 3pm. Should be called cafeteria or something. Again, just saying. Came here for lunch, 12ish. There was a line to get in. I heard a guy said he came from Florida straight to eat here. I ordered the Cajun chicken sandwich per a friends recommendation. The sandwich was OK, Nothing to write home about. 1 slice of lettuce? wow, really? Man, talk about cutting down prices. My friend ordered a decent looking Angus burger. Overall an OK place to go to eat. Wait 15 mins in line? I think not.
(3)Christiana C.
When I stepped into Tommy's, I almost feel like I stepped into a different time period. This place is so so awesome. I think this place would be awesome to take someone visiting Columbus. The place was packed when we came around lunchtime on a weekday, but we only waited 5 minutes for a table to open up. We sat by a bunch of Beegees signed photos (awesome) and the waitstaff was with us instantly. I also loved that the waitstaff was REAL. I felt like I was just talking to someone instead of being given a pre-memorized script while their eyes keep roaming beyond my face. Is this the best food I ever had? No, it is not. But I still loved it more than any Bob Evans (stop ruining my eggs, Bob!) and I do think that the quality of the food was pretty well reflected in the product. And if I get an awesom ambiance and awesome service in the meantime, I'm on board.
(4)Karrie B.
#1 50's diner in Columbus. Traditional, Greek, and biscuits and gravy....they're all good.
(5)Andrew C.
If you like french toast made out of wonder bread with two heaping scoops of margerin and log cabin syrup.......this is your place......otherwise stay away!! We also had the bacon cheese omlet, thinking how hard is it to screw that up, well they managed by having dense scrambled eggs with velveeta cheese on top......mmmmmm.
(1)Craig L.
Based on how busy this place was when I visited I am a little scared for my health to only give it 4 stars. But, I guess I will just have to take the risk. The first thing you notice when you walk in to Tommy's is the 50's style decor. It is fun, seemingly authentic, not chochy. I saddled up to the counter which was a little cramped (and I sit at a lot of counters/bars). The service was solid, not fast, but respectable. I got an omelet which was very nicely prepared. Not too much salt and very fluffy. And BIG props for serving Breakfast after Noon! The coffee was good, in a diner kinda way. Certainly not the best cup of joe I have ever had but good. All in all, a very solid choice for breakfast.
(4)Dean T.
Classic diner. Great decor. Excellent food.
(4)Melanie B.
I agree with Paul F! If I lived in Franklinton (which, btw, I am very enamored with), I'd be here all the time. Tommy's is a true diner, not a cheesy and/or ironic hipster diner (simulcrum!). I'm not sure what all the people who are complaining expect - it's a DINER, you know, the real kind? Where the food isn't supposed to be spectacular, and the service and coffee should mediocre? Actually, the service at Tommy's was very attentive, but the point is... seriously? Seriously. I loved Tommy's! The service was great and I really enjoyed that so many locals/people who worked in the area were in here. Boy and I went for a late breakfast, and it was most people's lunch break. We saw some people he knew, and the conversation was all about local business and the neighborhood - I find this extremely cool, personally. (Think globally, act locally, comrades!). So, if the locals are going to a local diner, you know it's a good place and not some hipster b.s.... The food was great. We shared some sort of "big breakfast" plate, which included eggs, hashbrown, sausage, and the most insanely good pancakes ever. Ever. Such a good idea to share - it was huge - and for nine bucks, we both got lunch and breakfast! Good Deal. So yeah, I'd definitely recommend checking this place out if you like diners. YUM.
(4)Darren M.
Great local, family-run diner with a welcoming atmosphere. Each time I have been there it is very busy, but every employee does a great job of treating each customer well. The food is always tasty and the service is quick. I am always very pleased after having a meal with friends at Tommy's. Highly recommended if you are looking for an authentic diner experience for breakfast or lunch.
(5)Haley W.
I can't think of a place in Columbus that serves a better breakfast. True 50's diner atmosphere, food is stellar, and our server was super sweet and nice, despite how busy she was. Also loved seeing a family owned/run restaurant thriving from doing business the old fashioned way. I will tell any/everyone I know about this place!
(5)Michael E.
Standard Greek diner Decent food but unworthy Of a special trip
(3)niki q.
As soon we we walked in, we were greeted by Tom who offered us "the wost table in the place" beside the long line of customers and directly in front of the door. We were seated beneath a picture of Telly Savalas and could hear Harry Nilsson playing on the stereo and I know we were in for a treat! The horrible table ended up being kind of great because we got to watch Tom in action during our meal. He knew everyone that came in and you could tell that everyone loved him. We did too. And we also loved the gyros and onion rings. With tip, our meal for two (which was both delicious and ridiculously filling) came in under $20. I will be back.. and back and back.
(5)Gordon M.
Classic diner fare. The staff is awesome, the food is friendly...errr.. or the other way around. I think. Maybe. Here's what I do know: other places try to imitate this kind of atmosphere and fall terribly short... So instead they jack up their prices, adopt some ridiculous name, and sell you on the concept of how trendy they are. Clearly they think you are a pretentious hipster. Tommy and Mike and the guys here don't do that. They just wanna feed you some great food and chat you up. Save money, come here, eat some good food, and enjoy the atmosphere.
(5)Jess M.
Great Family Joint... Breakfast is extremely reasonably priced...cheap actually...and just love the atmosphere...full of regulars. This is not for the healthy nut, but definitely on target for those who are looking for some good old fashion high calorie breakfast or are looking to nurse a hangover. I support the local joint over the franchises such as Bob Evans anday...and I can guarantee the servers at Tommy's have 10x the heart...you can tell they love where they work
(4)Keith M.
Originally, I was going to visit a taco truck nearby, but they must have taken a day off. The new Los Camperos restaurant was dark inside and it was only after 1:30. Third times a charm: Tommy's is right there, so biking down W Broad on this wonderfully cool day was not in vain. While they have a parking lot, I was happy to use the first bike rack in Franklinton which I had the city install earlier. Where else would I have put it? Tommy's Diner does it right with that perfect balance between gravy-laden diner grub and that ideal old-school diner atmosphere. Despite being the very definition of a typical diner, this place is an anomaly, at least in this diner under-saturated city. I've been here for breakfast and lunch. For breakfast you can expect the usual: a couple of eggs with your choice of meat, toast, with a side of house fries. For lunch I went with the open face turkey sandwich and despite much or all of it not being made in house it was satisfying diner fare. Sometimes, having your lunch sit in a pool of slightly yellowish gravy is a good thing. I saw that the guy next to me got some awfully delectable-looking fried chicken and I then saw it listed on the daily special menu. I'll have to remember that next time I'm there on a Tuesday. They have Greek yogurt listed among their desserts, which I'm betting is full of fat, none of that low-fat or fat-free Yoplait/Dannon nonsense. They also have a facebook page so that I can double check the specials of the day before heading out. A Columbus stand by that makes good use of modern technology is another big plus. facebook.com/pages/Colum… Even though it was what would usually be considered post-lunchtime, this place was packed with people and many were acquainted with each other which is the kind of ambiance you expect at a neighborhood gathering spot such as this. Adding in the fact that there were throngs of old people that were hanging out and undaunted by the new show bar across the street makes you appreciate the fact that you just won't find this sort of nonchalant coexistence anywhere on High nowadays (OK, maybe S High). For that you have to head out west and you'll be glad you did.
(4)Nick A.
Six stars+ If I had to choose one restaurant in the city to eat at for the rest of my days, this is it. Full of regulars, consistent staff, Tommy himself... great tasting food, good variety, affordable prices. Crowded, but never too crowded, and always worth the wait if there is one.
(5)Caroline C.
I'm a huge fan of diners, and I'd heard great things about this place. Gotta admit though that the food at Tommy's Diner really isn't anything spectacular at all. My gyro & feta omelet was tasty, but the side of bacon was cold, and as tough as old boots. The big breakfast was fine but no better than that at Chef's House (Hilliard) where we usually go for Sunday breakfast. Very good coffee though. The booths are fine for 2 people, but large groups are going to have problems. And it is INCREDIBLY noisy. The service was perfunctory, and nothing more. I'm glad we checked it out, but it's not worth the drive.
(3)Chuck k.
Good breakfasts, neat atmosphere. It's a bit crowded and noisy.
(3)Vanessa W.
We were sent here by our hotel. The food was good - typical diner food. But the service was excellent and very speedy. Great atmosphere of a mixture of locals. Fun retro decor.
(4)Steve C.
I'm going to withhold a star for the beer. If you're going to carry beer these days, give us a couple of local offerings. CBC IPA is a big hit, Four String's Brass Knuckle has mass appeal. Represent the city, Tommy's. Aside from that, this is an old school diner that doesn't screw around. We're not talking about some hipster place that tries to be an old diner, this place was here before most of you were born. Hell some of the staff has been here longer than you've been alive. The food is good. Fresh-prepped classics, but they aren't afraid to embrace some trends either, or take a stab at some fancies preparations. The whiteboard of specials is the first thing you need to check out. The portions are filling without being absolutely grotesque, and the price more than fair. Service, even when busy, is rock solid. This is real food so you might have to wait as much as 20 minutes for your order on a busy day, but if that's a problem you shouldn't be straying that far from your microwave. The place is spotlessly clean. It's a busy diner with a lot of memorabilia hanging on the walls. It stands out because it's clean. No just on the frames. No patina of grease on the flair. You've got to try Tommy's.
(4)Stefphanie H.
I don't know which is better...the food or the service. Located in historic Franklinton, this diner is a classic. Breakfast is a must and the fried chicken is out out of this world. Either even have alcoholic beverages!!!!
(5)Caz O.
The diner is adorable. It's decorated like a real vintage diner from the 50s and 60s. The food was mediocre. We all had various items, a patty melt, gyro and cinnamon french toast. I was disappointed that most of the photos listed here on Yelp were daily specials and were not available on our visit. We all agreed the food was ok, nothing fantastic. It was cheap but the portions were kind of small. We liked that they have a parking lot. The service left something to be desired. Our waitress came to our table a total of 3 times, which was a bit frustrating since that left us with empty glasses the whole meal. The food took a reasonable amount of time but then waiting for our bill was a bit drawn out. I wouldn't recommend stopping in here for lunch if you're in any sort of hurry. We only had an hour and were kind of rushed to get back to work afterwards.
(3)Jevona B.
Oh.my .gooooddddd why is this place so COOL?!?!? I vintage anything and this place has it in spades. Marilyn, and Elvis pictures and kitch abound in the most lovely mannor I haven't even gotten my food yet and this is my new favorite place.
(5)Jillian M.
I love diners. If it wasn't for Guy Fieri (and his terrible hair) hosting the show, I'd probably spend an inordinate amount of time watching Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Anyway, Tommy's is the real deal! A great variety of affordable food for breakfast and lunch. They are only open until 3pm, so they do pretty steady business. I've only been on the weekends, and it's always busy. They do pack you in pretty tight, so wear deodorant and deflate your personal space bubble for an hour or so. We've had the same waiter every time, and she's great. One of these times, I'll remember her name. Fast service and hot food! There aren't many notable eating establishments in the Franklinton area, but this one has a positive reputation for a reason. I've yet to have a bad experience here, and you really feel like you are having breakfast with a bunch of friends and neighbors.
(4)Paul F.
I met Mike G. for lunch here today. He had spotted the fish on their menu and wanted to try it out. I was agreeable because today's Ash Wednesday and for us Catholics, that means no meat. So after we placed our order, tha waitress brings our cole slaw out first and it was AWFUL! I thought this is not looking too good. But when the fish and my potatoes arrived it was like night and day. The fish was great!! There were four large pieces and they were delicious. Just the right amount of breading and the fish was cooked perfectly. I'm going to have to get back down there on a regular basis.
(4)Kelly M.
Every time I come to the Columbus area I always go to Tommy's! They have the most amazing food here! Everyone here is so courteous and so friendly. The restrooms are always clean. And the waitresses are always superb! I would totally recommend anyone going to the restaurant.
(5)Tiffany C.
Tommy's knows a thing or two about serving up breakfast to the hungry stomachs of Franklinton and surrounding area. Come in here on a weekend morning and you'll be lucky to grab a seat. They keep this place pretty packed, and I'll admit, I wasn't put away by this place at all. It was actually a decent breakfast. Tommy's is an interesting place. They offer a simple bar selection, but their hours don't go beyond 2-3pm, so for all you hankering for a beer with your Western omelet, this is the place. The inside is neat and looks great. It's definitely not what you'd expect for this side of town, but the booths were a throwback to the overly fantasized 1950's diner, including the black and white flooring, and Elvis and Marilyn Monroe memorabilia. The custom painting of the Elvis downing a cheeseburger with the owner is fantastic! I LOVE IT! You'll also find random pictures of well-known personalities (local and out of towners) posing with the owner. My experience here over-all was great! The service was awesome, the food was timely, and it was delicious. The potatoes were decent, and cooked the way I prefer my breakfast potatoes (not cubed) and the eggs were cooked perfectly... not slimey eggs here. Even the toast was average, but good. It's amazing to come here and people watch. They cater to all walks of life from older folks meeting up before church, to families, to working artists of Franklinton. It's just a good community vibe here, and you'll also see the owner walking about, saying 'Hi' and joshing the locals. I really wouldn't mind becoming a regular here. It's a nice little place for a good hearty breakfast on the shadows of downtown. Worth a stop!
(5)Kelly M.
Every time I come to the Columbus area I always go to Tommy's! They have the most amazing food here! Everyone here is so courteous and so friendly. The restrooms are always clean. And the waitresses are always superb! I would totally recommend anyone going to the restaurant.
(5)Steve C.
I'm going to withhold a star for the beer. If you're going to carry beer these days, give us a couple of local offerings. CBC IPA is a big hit, Four String's Brass Knuckle has mass appeal. Represent the city, Tommy's. Aside from that, this is an old school diner that doesn't screw around. We're not talking about some hipster place that tries to be an old diner, this place was here before most of you were born. Hell some of the staff has been here longer than you've been alive. The food is good. Fresh-prepped classics, but they aren't afraid to embrace some trends either, or take a stab at some fancies preparations. The whiteboard of specials is the first thing you need to check out. The portions are filling without being absolutely grotesque, and the price more than fair. Service, even when busy, is rock solid. This is real food so you might have to wait as much as 20 minutes for your order on a busy day, but if that's a problem you shouldn't be straying that far from your microwave. The place is spotlessly clean. It's a busy diner with a lot of memorabilia hanging on the walls. It stands out because it's clean. No just on the frames. No patina of grease on the flair. You've got to try Tommy's.
(4)Stefphanie H.
I don't know which is better...the food or the service. Located in historic Franklinton, this diner is a classic. Breakfast is a must and the fried chicken is out out of this world. Either even have alcoholic beverages!!!!
(5)Zack R.
Pretty solid breakfast for me and a couple other people. The place was packed full of neighborhood regulars. I think we were the only people that didn't know everyone in the place, not that this was a bad thing. Everybody was just in really good spirits and talking to each other. The owner seemed to know everyone as well. He was a really nice guy. The food was decent. My biscuits tasted a little Bisquick-y, but the gravy was really tasty. My sister had scrambled eggs on an English muffin with cheese and some really tasty crispy bacon. The place was packed, but the wait was short. The food was priced reasonably and the staff was friendly.
(4)Tiffany C.
Tommy's knows a thing or two about serving up breakfast to the hungry stomachs of Franklinton and surrounding area. Come in here on a weekend morning and you'll be lucky to grab a seat. They keep this place pretty packed, and I'll admit, I wasn't put away by this place at all. It was actually a decent breakfast. Tommy's is an interesting place. They offer a simple bar selection, but their hours don't go beyond 2-3pm, so for all you hankering for a beer with your Western omelet, this is the place. The inside is neat and looks great. It's definitely not what you'd expect for this side of town, but the booths were a throwback to the overly fantasized 1950's diner, including the black and white flooring, and Elvis and Marilyn Monroe memorabilia. The custom painting of the Elvis downing a cheeseburger with the owner is fantastic! I LOVE IT! You'll also find random pictures of well-known personalities (local and out of towners) posing with the owner. My experience here over-all was great! The service was awesome, the food was timely, and it was delicious. The potatoes were decent, and cooked the way I prefer my breakfast potatoes (not cubed) and the eggs were cooked perfectly... not slimey eggs here. Even the toast was average, but good. It's amazing to come here and people watch. They cater to all walks of life from older folks meeting up before church, to families, to working artists of Franklinton. It's just a good community vibe here, and you'll also see the owner walking about, saying 'Hi' and joshing the locals. I really wouldn't mind becoming a regular here. It's a nice little place for a good hearty breakfast on the shadows of downtown. Worth a stop!
(5)Kelly M.
Every time I come to the Columbus area I always go to Tommy's! They have the most amazing food here! Everyone here is so courteous and so friendly. The restrooms are always clean. And the waitresses are always superb! I would totally recommend anyone going to the restaurant.
(5)Steve C.
I'm going to withhold a star for the beer. If you're going to carry beer these days, give us a couple of local offerings. CBC IPA is a big hit, Four String's Brass Knuckle has mass appeal. Represent the city, Tommy's. Aside from that, this is an old school diner that doesn't screw around. We're not talking about some hipster place that tries to be an old diner, this place was here before most of you were born. Hell some of the staff has been here longer than you've been alive. The food is good. Fresh-prepped classics, but they aren't afraid to embrace some trends either, or take a stab at some fancies preparations. The whiteboard of specials is the first thing you need to check out. The portions are filling without being absolutely grotesque, and the price more than fair. Service, even when busy, is rock solid. This is real food so you might have to wait as much as 20 minutes for your order on a busy day, but if that's a problem you shouldn't be straying that far from your microwave. The place is spotlessly clean. It's a busy diner with a lot of memorabilia hanging on the walls. It stands out because it's clean. No just on the frames. No patina of grease on the flair. You've got to try Tommy's.
(4)Stefphanie H.
I don't know which is better...the food or the service. Located in historic Franklinton, this diner is a classic. Breakfast is a must and the fried chicken is out out of this world. Either even have alcoholic beverages!!!!
(5)Caz O.
The diner is adorable. It's decorated like a real vintage diner from the 50s and 60s. The food was mediocre. We all had various items, a patty melt, gyro and cinnamon french toast. I was disappointed that most of the photos listed here on Yelp were daily specials and were not available on our visit. We all agreed the food was ok, nothing fantastic. It was cheap but the portions were kind of small. We liked that they have a parking lot. The service left something to be desired. Our waitress came to our table a total of 3 times, which was a bit frustrating since that left us with empty glasses the whole meal. The food took a reasonable amount of time but then waiting for our bill was a bit drawn out. I wouldn't recommend stopping in here for lunch if you're in any sort of hurry. We only had an hour and were kind of rushed to get back to work afterwards.
(3)Jevona B.
Oh.my .gooooddddd why is this place so COOL?!?!? I vintage anything and this place has it in spades. Marilyn, and Elvis pictures and kitch abound in the most lovely mannor I haven't even gotten my food yet and this is my new favorite place.
(5)Jillian M.
I love diners. If it wasn't for Guy Fieri (and his terrible hair) hosting the show, I'd probably spend an inordinate amount of time watching Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Anyway, Tommy's is the real deal! A great variety of affordable food for breakfast and lunch. They are only open until 3pm, so they do pretty steady business. I've only been on the weekends, and it's always busy. They do pack you in pretty tight, so wear deodorant and deflate your personal space bubble for an hour or so. We've had the same waiter every time, and she's great. One of these times, I'll remember her name. Fast service and hot food! There aren't many notable eating establishments in the Franklinton area, but this one has a positive reputation for a reason. I've yet to have a bad experience here, and you really feel like you are having breakfast with a bunch of friends and neighbors.
(4)Mike G.
Before you go to Tommy's Dinner: One caveat for you. The tables are so close together that it's almost communal seating. There's no sense of privacy here at all, so if you've got any juicy personal issues to discuss, be aware that your neighbors will most likely be all up in your business. Anyways, when I asked for recommendations for great fish and chips, Aaron A. replied to the talk thread: "Tommy's Diner on Broad St. has a KILLER fish basket on Wednesdays." So I have a Veteran Yelper's recommendation, "Killer" in caps, it's Wednesday and I'm hungry for fish and chips...Let's do it! $7.95 gets you a very generous portion. Now they aren't what I would call fish and chips as in a traditional Irish pub style fish and chips, but they are a really great diner type fried fish and fries. Breading was crispy and crunchy with a really fresh tasting whitefish inside. The fries were very good too. The Cole slaw was alright, needed a splash of vinegar. The tartar sauce was house made excellence. Only thing missing was Guinness, which they don't serve.
(4)Robyn H.
This was the second stop on our diner tour and what a great stop it was. Tommy's diner was packed and we now know why. We had 7 people in our party and they set up a table for us and immediately we sat. We all had different meals and we were all equally happy with our choices. We will definitely be back!!
(4)Tash L.
What can I say about this place except that it may just be the best diner in town! A family owned and operated restaurant with the friendliest "regulars" you'll ever meet. I'm new to Columbus and our neighbors to the left and right were so sweet - we chatted about the multitude of options on the menu and the other things to see, do and eat in Co-Oh. They even broke out paper and pen to write down other restaurant suggestions! Now back to the restaurant review. The food here was a pleasant surprise. If you're looking for an upscale breakfast with an authentic diner feel - this is the place for you. I had the Eggs Benedict turned Florentine since I don't eat ham and my breakfast companion had the stuffed french toast with pumpkin cream cheese, fresh fruit and homemade whip cream - YUM! The portions were huge and the service here is great. We even met Tommy himself - a hardworking man who has earned customer loyalty through great service and a friendly smile. This place is a must-visit if you haven't been there yet!
(5)Todd F.
The food selection is unreal! LOVE this place! Come see and you will not be disappointed!
(5)Paul F.
I met Mike G. for lunch here today. He had spotted the fish on their menu and wanted to try it out. I was agreeable because today's Ash Wednesday and for us Catholics, that means no meat. So after we placed our order, tha waitress brings our cole slaw out first and it was AWFUL! I thought this is not looking too good. But when the fish and my potatoes arrived it was like night and day. The fish was great!! There were four large pieces and they were delicious. Just the right amount of breading and the fish was cooked perfectly. I'm going to have to get back down there on a regular basis.
(4)Tom C.
I was hoping to fine a diner to call my home, what a huge disappointment. The Pastitsio had no flavor and the Bechamel Sauce was not properly cooked. My greek salad was nothing more than lettuce, 1 tomato wedge, 1 slice of cucumber, 2 olives, 1 pepper, a 1/2 tablespoon of Feta. The service was, "Flag me down and maybe I will help you." attitude.
(1)Jess T.
I recently discovered this place doing some student teaching from a school not far from here. Having driven by it almost every day, I finally asked one of the teachers at my school that is from the area. She told me that Tommy's was one of her favorite places and that I had to check it out. The first time I visited Tommy's I picked up a grilled cheese to go. When I arrived around 12:30, the place was hopping, filled with friends meeting for lunch as well as couples enjoying a milkshake. The decor inside Tommy's makes you feel as though you've stepped back in time to the 1950's, which is pretty awesome. The second time I visited Tommy's, I brought my dad. We sat at a booth and were immediately greeted with water. My dad ordered a sweet tea. As usual, I got a grilled cheese and my dad got pancakes with sausage. He told me that he thoroughly enjoyed every bite. At the end of our lunch, I ordered a chocolate milkshake to go and it was darn good. This place only stays open till about 4 during the week, but serves breakfast all day. Yum!!
(5)Pao P.
Nice little place to eat breakfast. A little tight but looks very 50's. Has a lot of pictures inside. Got the 2 eggs, sausage and homefries with toast. Waitresses are friendly.
(4)Aaron A.
Woah baby! Tommy's is great to visit on weekdays! I have only been there for weekend breakfast. I visited on a Wednesday around 1pm and got a great booth right away. Plenty of tables for a late lunch. One of the Wednesday specials is a fish basket. I like to order fish and chips when it's on the menu and Tommy's fried fish is FANTASTIC! Absolutely mouth watering. Spicy, crispy batter, juicy, flaky, tender, super fresh, SO GOOD. This is one of the best pieces of fried fish I have ever eaten, and all I had to do was go to Tommy's for lunch instead of brunch. They serve this absolutely divine fish in huge portions every Wednesday. It makes me wonder what other unbelievable daily specials are waiting to be discovered. Tommy's is the best!
(5)Martha W.
4.5 stars. My friends brought me here over the weekend and I fell in love. How could I have missed this place for so long? Excellent diner, at every level: good food (we had eggs, French toast, coffee, etc.), cheerful service, welcoming atmosphere, fantastic decor. Love. It. Tommy's -- You're fab.
(4)Cherie B.
We LOVE Tommy's!! Best breakfast in town!! Try the new outside seating. It is lovely. Order mimosas or bloody mary's. They are always amazing. Also, the Greek omelet and eggs Benedict are to die for. Give them a try! Tommy is there himself. Be sure to say hello to him.
(5)Tanja M.
Tommy's Diner is great! I've only had breakfast food here but it was amazing. The stuffed French toast special is to die for, the waffles are one of the best I've had, and they generally cook everything really well. I get annoyed at breakfast places for undercooking or overcooking the eggs but Tommy's gets it right every time. A huge plus is that it is very affordable!! The service is great and the owner is really friendly!
(5)Jen F.
Always a fantastic meal. Love the diner feel. The wait staff is always outstanding! We have been going to Tommy's for years and 95% of the staff has been there long before we started going. That is a true sign of a well run restaurant. Michael is always so welcoming.. Marie always treats us as family... We just love her. Jen is awesome as well!! Now on to the food.. I'm not a huge breakfast fan, but their western omelette is the bomb! I have never had a bad meal that's for sure. Highly recommended!!
(5)Mimi W.
I love diners and I love Tommy's. I grew up in Columbus and didn't know about this place til my hubby took me there this past summer. Since then it's become one of our favorite dining options. I love love love love the corned beef hash and the home fries w/gravy. The place is always packed or near-packed but we've never experienced lowered service because of it. This is the diner to which I compare all other diners in the city.
(5)Michael B.
This diner is somewhat of a local establishment in Columbus. Great breakfast menu, and an even better eggs Benedict! A weekend morning favorite. I can't fault the restaurant for this, but it does have a tendency to get a little loud inside.
(4)Keith M.
Originally, I was going to visit a taco truck nearby, but they must have taken a day off. The new Los Camperos restaurant was dark inside and it was only after 1:30. Third times a charm: Tommy's is right there, so biking down W Broad on this wonderfully cool day was not in vain. While they have a parking lot, I was happy to use the first bike rack in Franklinton which I had the city install earlier. Where else would I have put it? Tommy's Diner does it right with that perfect balance between gravy-laden diner grub and that ideal old-school diner atmosphere. Despite being the very definition of a typical diner, this place is an anomaly, at least in this diner under-saturated city. I've been here for breakfast and lunch. For breakfast you can expect the usual: a couple of eggs with your choice of meat, toast, with a side of house fries. For lunch I went with the open face turkey sandwich and despite much or all of it not being made in house it was satisfying diner fare. Sometimes, having your lunch sit in a pool of slightly yellowish gravy is a good thing. I saw that the guy next to me got some awfully delectable-looking fried chicken and I then saw it listed on the daily special menu. I'll have to remember that next time I'm there on a Tuesday. They have Greek yogurt listed among their desserts, which I'm betting is full of fat, none of that low-fat or fat-free Yoplait/Dannon nonsense. They also have a facebook page so that I can double check the specials of the day before heading out. A Columbus stand by that makes good use of modern technology is another big plus. facebook.com/pages/Colum… Even though it was what would usually be considered post-lunchtime, this place was packed with people and many were acquainted with each other which is the kind of ambiance you expect at a neighborhood gathering spot such as this. Adding in the fact that there were throngs of old people that were hanging out and undaunted by the new show bar across the street makes you appreciate the fact that you just won't find this sort of nonchalant coexistence anywhere on High nowadays (OK, maybe S High). For that you have to head out west and you'll be glad you did.
(4)Nick A.
Six stars+ If I had to choose one restaurant in the city to eat at for the rest of my days, this is it. Full of regulars, consistent staff, Tommy himself... great tasting food, good variety, affordable prices. Crowded, but never too crowded, and always worth the wait if there is one.
(5)Zack R.
Pretty solid breakfast for me and a couple other people. The place was packed full of neighborhood regulars. I think we were the only people that didn't know everyone in the place, not that this was a bad thing. Everybody was just in really good spirits and talking to each other. The owner seemed to know everyone as well. He was a really nice guy. The food was decent. My biscuits tasted a little Bisquick-y, but the gravy was really tasty. My sister had scrambled eggs on an English muffin with cheese and some really tasty crispy bacon. The place was packed, but the wait was short. The food was priced reasonably and the staff was friendly.
(4)Mookie B.
I give it 4 stars, and conveniently located....in Franklinton. Try to eat there about Once a month. Soups are excellent, gyro is fine. Great place to take a client for an informal business lunch.
(4)Steve R.
Best damn diner in Columbus. Breakfast menu is astounding and lunch is just as good . It is good ole Diner food with all the fixings. I work right down the street and frequent the place often. Highly recommend if your looking for a great diner experience.
(5)Caz O.
The diner is adorable. It's decorated like a real vintage diner from the 50s and 60s. The food was mediocre. We all had various items, a patty melt, gyro and cinnamon french toast. I was disappointed that most of the photos listed here on Yelp were daily specials and were not available on our visit. We all agreed the food was ok, nothing fantastic. It was cheap but the portions were kind of small. We liked that they have a parking lot. The service left something to be desired. Our waitress came to our table a total of 3 times, which was a bit frustrating since that left us with empty glasses the whole meal. The food took a reasonable amount of time but then waiting for our bill was a bit drawn out. I wouldn't recommend stopping in here for lunch if you're in any sort of hurry. We only had an hour and were kind of rushed to get back to work afterwards.
(3)Jevona B.
Oh.my .gooooddddd why is this place so COOL?!?!? I vintage anything and this place has it in spades. Marilyn, and Elvis pictures and kitch abound in the most lovely mannor I haven't even gotten my food yet and this is my new favorite place.
(5)Jillian M.
I love diners. If it wasn't for Guy Fieri (and his terrible hair) hosting the show, I'd probably spend an inordinate amount of time watching Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Anyway, Tommy's is the real deal! A great variety of affordable food for breakfast and lunch. They are only open until 3pm, so they do pretty steady business. I've only been on the weekends, and it's always busy. They do pack you in pretty tight, so wear deodorant and deflate your personal space bubble for an hour or so. We've had the same waiter every time, and she's great. One of these times, I'll remember her name. Fast service and hot food! There aren't many notable eating establishments in the Franklinton area, but this one has a positive reputation for a reason. I've yet to have a bad experience here, and you really feel like you are having breakfast with a bunch of friends and neighbors.
(4)Sarah C.
Ummm.....I HATE Tommy's. Please DO NOT go there! The food is awful and the owners scream at their employees in Greek! Hello! No one can understand you! Not even you're employee! I even saw a waitress cry because the beloved "Tommy" was screaming at her! Please do not go here. It's a waste of money and you will have a horrible experience! I even had an egg shell in my eggs and you know what the response was when I informed my waitress(I'm even terrified to even allude to who she was) "Please don't make me tell my boss, he'll fire me!" OMG really????? I didn't eat and still paid for the meal just so this woman could keep her job! Granted, I watched Tommy on her ass the entire time, but shouldn't they be more focused on customer service? Just a thought... I MAY try their other restaurants ,Milo's, the Sate House place, not sure of the official name, Kraft # 5, but I assume their all ran the same...so we'll see....more reviews to come....
(1)Dan H.
Where to start? I've been coming to Tommy's with three friends for breakfast every Wednesday for the last couple of years, and when I walk in at 6, our table is already set up with coffee cups and water glasses. Denise (who has been working here for 11 years) always knows exactly how we like our breakfast orders, even knows how much coffee each of us prefers, and always can tell if we need something and when we don't. In other words the perfect server! To me, a place might have the most delicious food in town, but if the service is rotten, I'm never going back. A place is only as good as its employees, and this place has got it. Plus, it's fortunate to actually have some of the best food in town!! The biscuits and gravy, the pancakes, the french toast, the eggs, the hash, the specials, oh -- the sweet rolls! .... I always find it hard to decide. Everything is outstanding. An all around awesome place. No wonder it's been around for so long. A visit to Columbus is never complete without a trip to Tommy's.
(5)Irene S.
We've been going to Tommy's Diner almost every Saturday for years, so that makes us regulars. We have "cheated" on Tom Pappas a few times by going to Cracker Barrel & Bob Evans for breakfast/lunch, and even though their food is decent, they really can't compete with this joint. I believe we've tried most everything on the menu by this point, but my absolute faves are the tuna salad gyro w/sweet potato fries, the potato soup w/fish sandwich on Fridays, and a Greek salad w/Pastichio - an authentic Greek (duh) specialty with heavenly beschamel layers. Ask your waitress for an end piece so you get two crispy sides! My husband really loves the cinnamon swirl pancakes, but he's been ordering lunch items lately to get out of his breakfast rut, and reports that everything he's tried has been top notch. The most positive thing about Tommy's Diner (besides the delicious food) is the sense of community. It's FUN to gather with a bunch of friendly people with happy faces eating great food. Yeah, it does get really loud when the place is humming (especially on Buckeyes football Saturdays), but that just adds to the ambience. Cap City Diner is wonderful as well, but c'mon folks: we all know that ain't a true diner!
(5)Mike G.
Before you go to Tommy's Dinner: One caveat for you. The tables are so close together that it's almost communal seating. There's no sense of privacy here at all, so if you've got any juicy personal issues to discuss, be aware that your neighbors will most likely be all up in your business. Anyways, when I asked for recommendations for great fish and chips, Aaron A. replied to the talk thread: "Tommy's Diner on Broad St. has a KILLER fish basket on Wednesdays." So I have a Veteran Yelper's recommendation, "Killer" in caps, it's Wednesday and I'm hungry for fish and chips...Let's do it! $7.95 gets you a very generous portion. Now they aren't what I would call fish and chips as in a traditional Irish pub style fish and chips, but they are a really great diner type fried fish and fries. Breading was crispy and crunchy with a really fresh tasting whitefish inside. The fries were very good too. The Cole slaw was alright, needed a splash of vinegar. The tartar sauce was house made excellence. Only thing missing was Guinness, which they don't serve.
(4)Robyn H.
This was the second stop on our diner tour and what a great stop it was. Tommy's diner was packed and we now know why. We had 7 people in our party and they set up a table for us and immediately we sat. We all had different meals and we were all equally happy with our choices. We will definitely be back!!
(4)Tash L.
What can I say about this place except that it may just be the best diner in town! A family owned and operated restaurant with the friendliest "regulars" you'll ever meet. I'm new to Columbus and our neighbors to the left and right were so sweet - we chatted about the multitude of options on the menu and the other things to see, do and eat in Co-Oh. They even broke out paper and pen to write down other restaurant suggestions! Now back to the restaurant review. The food here was a pleasant surprise. If you're looking for an upscale breakfast with an authentic diner feel - this is the place for you. I had the Eggs Benedict turned Florentine since I don't eat ham and my breakfast companion had the stuffed french toast with pumpkin cream cheese, fresh fruit and homemade whip cream - YUM! The portions were huge and the service here is great. We even met Tommy himself - a hardworking man who has earned customer loyalty through great service and a friendly smile. This place is a must-visit if you haven't been there yet!
(5)Todd F.
The food selection is unreal! LOVE this place! Come see and you will not be disappointed!
(5)Paul F.
I met Mike G. for lunch here today. He had spotted the fish on their menu and wanted to try it out. I was agreeable because today's Ash Wednesday and for us Catholics, that means no meat. So after we placed our order, tha waitress brings our cole slaw out first and it was AWFUL! I thought this is not looking too good. But when the fish and my potatoes arrived it was like night and day. The fish was great!! There were four large pieces and they were delicious. Just the right amount of breading and the fish was cooked perfectly. I'm going to have to get back down there on a regular basis.
(4)Tom C.
I was hoping to fine a diner to call my home, what a huge disappointment. The Pastitsio had no flavor and the Bechamel Sauce was not properly cooked. My greek salad was nothing more than lettuce, 1 tomato wedge, 1 slice of cucumber, 2 olives, 1 pepper, a 1/2 tablespoon of Feta. The service was, "Flag me down and maybe I will help you." attitude.
(1)Jess T.
I recently discovered this place doing some student teaching from a school not far from here. Having driven by it almost every day, I finally asked one of the teachers at my school that is from the area. She told me that Tommy's was one of her favorite places and that I had to check it out. The first time I visited Tommy's I picked up a grilled cheese to go. When I arrived around 12:30, the place was hopping, filled with friends meeting for lunch as well as couples enjoying a milkshake. The decor inside Tommy's makes you feel as though you've stepped back in time to the 1950's, which is pretty awesome. The second time I visited Tommy's, I brought my dad. We sat at a booth and were immediately greeted with water. My dad ordered a sweet tea. As usual, I got a grilled cheese and my dad got pancakes with sausage. He told me that he thoroughly enjoyed every bite. At the end of our lunch, I ordered a chocolate milkshake to go and it was darn good. This place only stays open till about 4 during the week, but serves breakfast all day. Yum!!
(5)Pao P.
Nice little place to eat breakfast. A little tight but looks very 50's. Has a lot of pictures inside. Got the 2 eggs, sausage and homefries with toast. Waitresses are friendly.
(4)Aaron A.
Woah baby! Tommy's is great to visit on weekdays! I have only been there for weekend breakfast. I visited on a Wednesday around 1pm and got a great booth right away. Plenty of tables for a late lunch. One of the Wednesday specials is a fish basket. I like to order fish and chips when it's on the menu and Tommy's fried fish is FANTASTIC! Absolutely mouth watering. Spicy, crispy batter, juicy, flaky, tender, super fresh, SO GOOD. This is one of the best pieces of fried fish I have ever eaten, and all I had to do was go to Tommy's for lunch instead of brunch. They serve this absolutely divine fish in huge portions every Wednesday. It makes me wonder what other unbelievable daily specials are waiting to be discovered. Tommy's is the best!
(5)Martha W.
4.5 stars. My friends brought me here over the weekend and I fell in love. How could I have missed this place for so long? Excellent diner, at every level: good food (we had eggs, French toast, coffee, etc.), cheerful service, welcoming atmosphere, fantastic decor. Love. It. Tommy's -- You're fab.
(4)Cherie B.
We LOVE Tommy's!! Best breakfast in town!! Try the new outside seating. It is lovely. Order mimosas or bloody mary's. They are always amazing. Also, the Greek omelet and eggs Benedict are to die for. Give them a try! Tommy is there himself. Be sure to say hello to him.
(5)Tanja M.
Tommy's Diner is great! I've only had breakfast food here but it was amazing. The stuffed French toast special is to die for, the waffles are one of the best I've had, and they generally cook everything really well. I get annoyed at breakfast places for undercooking or overcooking the eggs but Tommy's gets it right every time. A huge plus is that it is very affordable!! The service is great and the owner is really friendly!
(5)Jen F.
Always a fantastic meal. Love the diner feel. The wait staff is always outstanding! We have been going to Tommy's for years and 95% of the staff has been there long before we started going. That is a true sign of a well run restaurant. Michael is always so welcoming.. Marie always treats us as family... We just love her. Jen is awesome as well!! Now on to the food.. I'm not a huge breakfast fan, but their western omelette is the bomb! I have never had a bad meal that's for sure. Highly recommended!!
(5)Mimi W.
I love diners and I love Tommy's. I grew up in Columbus and didn't know about this place til my hubby took me there this past summer. Since then it's become one of our favorite dining options. I love love love love the corned beef hash and the home fries w/gravy. The place is always packed or near-packed but we've never experienced lowered service because of it. This is the diner to which I compare all other diners in the city.
(5)Michael B.
This diner is somewhat of a local establishment in Columbus. Great breakfast menu, and an even better eggs Benedict! A weekend morning favorite. I can't fault the restaurant for this, but it does have a tendency to get a little loud inside.
(4)Emily L.
if I lived closer to Tommy's, I'd weigh 300 pounds. It's so good. This is a real deal diner. Complete with retro red vinyl booths and pictures of the rich and famous all over the stainless steel walls. Tommy's is just a good old fashioned, family owned place. You can tell they care a lot about the restaurant and I've seen the same severs and staff here for years, which kind of just makes you feel like you're at home here. The menu for breakfast and lunch is huge, but I usually got with a couple specials that are usually on the board. My favorite is Tommy's Country Breakfast. It's a biscuit sliced in half and topped with 2 eggs cooked the way you like them, sausage gravy, and cheddar cheese. It's awesome. I also loved the corned beef hash and the eggs benedict when those are around. I don't get to come here as much as I used to in college, but when I do, it just makes me happy to be here.
(5)Will P.
Great breakfast Tommy's has one of the best breakfasts in town. The place has an old diner feel to it and the food tastes homemade. I had pancakes and they were great. Would recommend for breakfast expecially if you don't want the usual chain.
(4)Michael U.
The best diner I've been to in Columbus. There are many great breakfast places here that rank right up there with the best. I tried to go last week and the line was out the door. We went a little later this time so were sat right away. Great service...fast, friendly and the food was served HOT which seems rare now a days. Highly recommend. Will go back for dinner to try it out.
(5)Frank E.
Updating my review of three yeas ago I just have to reiterate how good Tommy's is and that I have become a multi times a week guest at this diner. The staff is friendly and never make you fell anything but welcomed. The food is great and I love trying the daily specials. The prices are reasonable and portion sizes perfect. While getting a seat at prime lunchtime, noon to one, my take a few minutes, it is well worth the wait. All you have to do is look at the diversity of the customers, from laborers, doctors, cops, elected city officials, lawyers, retired couples, and every one in between these, to see that Tommy's caters to every taste. It is the Columbus melting pot. Take time to visit Tommy's and discover your soon to be home away from home.
(5)Aaron S.
You want the real diner feel....hit Tommy's. Sometimes hard to get a seat. Usually always busy and they close early. So get in and grab a seat at the bar if you can't get a booth. You never know who you will run into here either....all walks of life come through those doors. I kept it simple and got some French toast...which was great in the realm of classic French toast. Atmosphere is what a real diner is. Order up and sit back for some good old fashioned people watching.
(5)Michael G.
Always a treat! Good diner food, good service, good prices, good people!!
(4)Anita K.
Breakfast doesn't get any better than this! Definitely get a waffle, you will not be sorry!
(5)Howard S.
Was the typical diner. Service was fast an the place was crowded at 1 pm. I had the juicy Lucy which is a burger with cheese pressed in it. The meat came out as requested it was angus beef seasoned perfectly. They have their own special sauce on the side. The only downside is I don't eat fries so they substituted a small cole slaw. The size if the cole slaw was disappointing.
(4)niki q.
As soon we we walked in, we were greeted by Tom who offered us "the wost table in the place" beside the long line of customers and directly in front of the door. We were seated beneath a picture of Telly Savalas and could hear Harry Nilsson playing on the stereo and I know we were in for a treat! The horrible table ended up being kind of great because we got to watch Tom in action during our meal. He knew everyone that came in and you could tell that everyone loved him. We did too. And we also loved the gyros and onion rings. With tip, our meal for two (which was both delicious and ridiculously filling) came in under $20. I will be back.. and back and back.
(5)Steve And Lazz D.
I would not recommend this place to others. The Owner was very rude to me. The waitress took our order and we did not see her again until it was time for the check. When she gave us our check, she noticed that I did not eat my breakfast. I explained to her it was cold when I got it and not what I expected. THe owner then came to my table and said sorry I did not like it, but that i should have ate it, cause he couldn't eat. I was surprised at the remark and offended, so we left. Sounds like TOmmy and his staff has treated other customers with smiling faces, but we did not experience that.
(2)Ed P.
Before leaving Columbus and returning home to Cincinnati this past weekend, we made one last stop for breakfast at a little place called Tommy's Diner. From the outside I wasn't expecting much from Tommy's. After parking the car beneath the large sign out front, we weren't sure which direction the restaurant actually was. Fortunately a line of people were leaving the restaurant as we had arrived, so we just followed the crowd into this rather plain-looking building. Once inside, however, it was clear that this truly was a diner. It isn't a dingy diner though, as the booths and tables all seemed to have been updated at least sometime in the last ten years. There are neon lights everywhere and a checkered floor as you would expect from a diner. Autographed photos cover the walls from famous visitors of the past. There was a pretty large crowd in the rather small space, but enough open tables for us to find a seat immediately. After being sat at a booth by who I would assume was Tommy, our server was at our side within minutes to take our drink order. Breakfast is served all day, and most of our group went that route. Though when my twelve-year-old brother-in-law heard that lunch was also available he went straight for the old fashioned burger with American cheese ($4.75). He also ordered a side of fries ($1.95). At this point in our trip he was really into providing ratings to me for my reviews. He rated the burger an 8 out of 10, and the fries just a 5. It seemed that the fries weren't salty enough for his tastes, so once we added a little more salt, he was good to go. My wife ordered a breakfast combo with an omelet and home fries. I didn't have any of the omelet, but I had a big share of the home fries and these were a nice mix of crunchy and soft potatoes. I couldn't find a price online, but the omelets are in the $6 - $7 range and a side of home fries are $1.75. We ordered a short stack of hotcakes for our two-year-old son ($3.50). These were pretty typical pancakes, but with a huge mound of butter. And now for the star of our meal, I ordered the stuffed French toast with fruit topping. This was a large stack of sourdough French toast with a cream cheese filling, topped with a mound of strawberries and a healthy amount of whipped cream. I was in heaven! Our food varied from average to amazing. Our service couldn't have been any nicer and the food was out to us in adequate time. Forget what the outside of Tommy's Diner looks like, there is plenty of good stuff inside.
(4)Melaney C.
It's worth going here just to meet Tommy or his son, Michael. They are super friendly. I generally run into someone I know, since if you go once, you've got to go again. Food is consistently good classic diner fare with some Greek specialties.
(5)Hanim S.
This place is very cool - Tommy is awesome (the owner), he greets ever guest that walks in and it seems like he knows everyone....the restaurant is right out of Happy Days, so much to look at and keep your eyes busy while waiting on your food. SPEAKING of food - OH.MY .GOODNES....it is Ah-----mazing....I had the pumpkin spice pancakes topped with apples and handmade whipped cream; and I could BARELY finish it! The kids enjoyed their grilled cheese and ate everything...hubby had meatloaf sandwich and seemed to enjoy it! It is in an interesting side of town, but big parking lot behind the building AND across the street...definetly a place to check out, especially on a Sunday after church!
(4)Carol C.
Tommy's Diner sits in that special goldilocks zone between retro and classic. Neon snakes along the ceiling, checkered tiles line the floor, and the menu is 1950's diner fare done right. We strolled in last Saturday morning when I had a craving for brunch, and Tommy himself showed us to a great booth by the window. Before he left, he winked and promised not to charge us extra for the view. It's that comfortable greasy spoon kind of customer service that you come to expect when you order at a counter and sip coffee from a ceramic mug. There's plenty of eye candy to snack on while you wait, including photos of the owner with the Bee Gees and a vintage Coca-Cola machine. But you won't have to wait long, thank goodness, because the table next to you probably has something delicious on it. I ordered a "Breakfast Club" off the Daily Specials menu before I figured out the John Hughes reference, but puns make everything taste better. It was built traditionally, with three toasted slices of wheat bread, romaine, tomato, a pile of ham, strips of bacon, both american and provolone cheeses, and a buttery fried egg. Two cheeses, three proteins, I don't even have to say how good it was. My husband had a sweet tooth so he went with a shortstack of blueberry pancakes and a side of bacon. They're the fluffy kind of cake, not the flat kind, with a good bite of berries and a spongy texture. Warning: If you're a stickler for real syrup, you'll have to tote your own. The bacon was good too, though a little overdone, but he seemed to love it and dipped each piece in syrup. My side of hash browns was undercooked, more like potatoes au gratin, though I can't really complain because I ate nearly all of a portion big enough for two. The wait staff knows what they're doing too, I watched them weave around customers waiting to be seated without skipping a beat, tipping a glass, or even dropping their smiles. We were in and out for $20 in under 30 minutes, but I recommend you come before 10:30am if you want to beat the weekend lunch rush. And trust me, you do. Or better yet, trust Tommy - he won't even charge you extra for the advice.
(4)troy l.
following Aaron's review went here yesterday for breakfast before i left south since it was on the way. Been here plenty of times over the years and it has always been more for the ambience than the food or service. unless you are a regular you will be served so-so and the food is ok. especially for the $. stuffed french toast is worth a try.
(3)Zeta P.
Loved this place. Total classic diner fare and atmosphere. Seems like a very regulars crowd. It's a little loud as other reviews said but I liked the hub bub of it. Steak and eggs with a perfect sunny side up totally cured me from the one too many cocktails blues. Hubs loved his eggs benedict ....Greasy spoon goodness:)
(5)Luke T.
This is definitely a diner. Kitschy to the max, full of bric-a-brac, and with a killer counter, few diners in Columbus can match it as far as decor and theme are concerned. The prices are also on point for diner-dom status. If you don't order a drink, you'll probably make it out for under $7-8. The menu is pretty extensive, about three pages front and back, one of which is the cover, making about 5 pages worth of items. Being a breakfast guy, I was a bit disappointed that only one of those pages features breakfast items. Breakfast guy or not, I was here for lunch, and I ordered a yummy sounding tuna melt with an order of curly fries. My lunch mate had the cheeseburger, and also ordered the curly fries after an entertaining discussion with the waitress about whether or not the curly ones were better than the regular ones. My tuna melt was a sloppy, gooey, delicious mess. Her cheeseburger was woefully smaller than expected. I would like to go back for breakfast sometime. A diner if ever there was one.
(3)Edward D.
Goog times, and even better food. Tommy's takes care of their customers the right way!
(5)Matt W.
Have you ever stepped into a place and felt like you somehow managed to transport yourself to a totally different part of the world? When I stepped into Tommy's Diner, I swore that I'd somehow been transported to upstate New York. A small but classic diner, Tommy's is quick, tasty, and CHEAP. It feels like it should be sitting next to the turnpike, not nestled into Franklinton. The menu is fairly normal diner fare, but the specials board is where it's at. We tried salmon patties and the Grecian Roasted Chicken and both were incredibly flavorful. The lemon potatoes and mac & cheese were excellent sides as well, but the veggie of the day (Green beans) were disappointingly mushy and really obviously out of a can. We also tried their rice pudding for dessert, and WOW. Very obviously made there (our waitress claimed we got the first serving out of a fresh batch), it was rich, thick, creamy, and spiced with just the right amount of cinnamon to give it a great tang. The best part? We were in and out for under $20 and about ~30 minutes. Absolutely worth dropping into - just don't be surprised if the line is out the door.
(4)Angela I.
I am a diner snob. I have pretty high breakfast standards, and I'm happy to say that Tommy's did not disappoint. Being an out of towner, I took a gamble and chose Tommy's when I came to Columbus thanks to other great reviews on here. The decor was really fun and the place had a casual family vibe. I believe the owner was in the day we went, and he was making his rounds to all the tables, which I appreciated! I ordered the pumpkin pancakes with apple topping and they were out of this world - and the coffee never stopped flowing! Just as a diner should be. I would definitely return in the future.
(4)Nick P.
One of my favorite places to eat or just grab some coffee and have a nice conversation
(5)Stanley Z.
Had a chance to go back when they were open. Cool place, food was great. (SEPT 2012) Might be good...but who would know because Ina one horse town known as Columbus there is no such thing as a diner that's open when people want to eat! Luckily, I have found Fitzy's ......open 24/7. That's where you should go.
(5)Taste Budz Z.
DEREK: Tommy's reminds me of the greasy spoon you love to go to when you need your comfort food. Tommy's just does good food and no matter what, your going to enjoy the experience. TROY: It's like God took a Greek Diner from Jersey and plopped it down in C-bus to show what good home cookin' food can be. It's just that when this place opened, the area was thriving and clean and safe and well you get the picture. DEREK: Although I'm glad I don't live in the neighborhood this little diner is located in, I wish I could put it a block or two from my home. Maybe I can talk them into using Efficient Moving to relocate from Broad Street...what do you think Troy? TROY: Ha ha, shameless plug you kiss a$$. DEREK: I ordered a simple fish and chips platter that also came with coleslaw. Coleslaw is just one of those items that only your mom can make well, but Tommy's was just the way I like it. Not the same as what you get at KFC, but it wasn't too creamy or thick. Very good and it complimented the fish and chips. I received a nice portion of fries and fish fillets and it was exactly the comfort food I need. Not foo foo or unusual, just what you expect from a good diner. TROY: I can't pull myself away from ordering breakfast every freakin time I come here! Eggs are good with lots of margarine making them even more unhealthy. The bacon is the absolute way to go, SKIP the sausage cause its not good (my favorite breakfast sausage is Bob Evans) and is like a pork/hamburger amalgamation like a salisbury steak... TROY: But, oh my, the waffle is from heaven. It's that good, and I'm a waffle fanatic so my opinion matters. Some lame places use their pancake batter to try to make a waffle, huh uh! True waffle batter is an art...a science, and Tommy has the secret recipe. No joke, I'm thinking about bringing my own real maple syrup next time to go insane from it. DEREK: Surprise of the visit was the ample parking for downtown location. Troy can I borrow your handicap placard sometime? Yeah... probably not.
(5)Ann S.
I always start craving Thanksgiving dinner this time of year and can't wait until the actual holiday. I saw this was one of the few places that had it and we'd never been there before. It was pretty crowded even though we went at what we considered an off peak time. Lots of regulars and the table we were told to sit at was so crammed I actually didn't see it. If you're not a fan of communal seating, hope for a booth. The server was super nice (she reminds me of Karla from The Chew/Top Chef) and the owner was nice too. The hubby really liked his grilled ham and cheese and fries. I got my Thanksgiving dinner for lunch and I was hoping it would be better. Everything tasted very canned/boxed. Maybe I'm just picky because I cook every meal so I'm used to home cooking but the gravy was neon yellow and the potatoes tasted like instant. It wasn't horrible but I was hoping for more. I have a feeling breakfast is their specialty so we'll be back to try that.
(3)Karrie B.
#1 50's diner in Columbus. Traditional, Greek, and biscuits and gravy....they're all good.
(5)Andrew C.
If you like french toast made out of wonder bread with two heaping scoops of margerin and log cabin syrup.......this is your place......otherwise stay away!! We also had the bacon cheese omlet, thinking how hard is it to screw that up, well they managed by having dense scrambled eggs with velveeta cheese on top......mmmmmm.
(1)Kyle J.
I love diner food. This place is so cool. Full of all kinds of different people, I've gone here for lunch twice now. I always get the potato soup when it's available. I add cheese and bacon which they crisp to death (just the way I like it) and mix it with some crackers. I've also had omelettes and a gyro which both are quite tasty. For a diner they have all the basics, plus burgers, gyros, and daily specials. Plus it's pretty cheap! I usually go here on Fridays with two guys I work with for lunch and the people watching is always top notch. It can become very noisy and busy but, seriously, what else do you expect from a diner? I can't recommend this place enough, it's great. Say hi to Tommy when you go, he's most likely there.
(4)Chantel C.
We went on a Sunday afternoon, it was very busy, loud and we were very cramped by the door. My honey felt as though they were seating others before us due to maybe who they were, but I don't know that for sure. When we finally got sat our server was prompt to get to us and was surprisingly on top of our table despite the busyess. I wouldn't say she was the most friendly or social, but she did the job. The menu is very extensive for such a small place and so many choices plus they have specials everyday too. I tried something I have never had before in my life, but have heard people say how good it is and that is fried chicken and waffles. The waffle was huge and had a nice crisp to it, but the chicken was tepid at best and was just chicken fingers that seemed not fried long enough. I got a side of home fries with cheese and onions and those were really hot and tasty. The food was decent enough for all 3 of us sitting at the table, but if I go back I will be trying something non breakfast and on their normal menu since I imagine that is what they are known for. Oh the bathroom was very clean too. I give 3 stars because of the hours being so limited, the waiting space also being so cramped and my chicken being not very warm and not crispy.
(3)Goose R.
First of all, not complaining, just saying, why is it called a diner where you cannot even dine here? It closes at 3pm. Should be called cafeteria or something. Again, just saying. Came here for lunch, 12ish. There was a line to get in. I heard a guy said he came from Florida straight to eat here. I ordered the Cajun chicken sandwich per a friends recommendation. The sandwich was OK, Nothing to write home about. 1 slice of lettuce? wow, really? Man, talk about cutting down prices. My friend ordered a decent looking Angus burger. Overall an OK place to go to eat. Wait 15 mins in line? I think not.
(3)Christiana C.
When I stepped into Tommy's, I almost feel like I stepped into a different time period. This place is so so awesome. I think this place would be awesome to take someone visiting Columbus. The place was packed when we came around lunchtime on a weekday, but we only waited 5 minutes for a table to open up. We sat by a bunch of Beegees signed photos (awesome) and the waitstaff was with us instantly. I also loved that the waitstaff was REAL. I felt like I was just talking to someone instead of being given a pre-memorized script while their eyes keep roaming beyond my face. Is this the best food I ever had? No, it is not. But I still loved it more than any Bob Evans (stop ruining my eggs, Bob!) and I do think that the quality of the food was pretty well reflected in the product. And if I get an awesom ambiance and awesome service in the meantime, I'm on board.
(4)Craig L.
Based on how busy this place was when I visited I am a little scared for my health to only give it 4 stars. But, I guess I will just have to take the risk. The first thing you notice when you walk in to Tommy's is the 50's style decor. It is fun, seemingly authentic, not chochy. I saddled up to the counter which was a little cramped (and I sit at a lot of counters/bars). The service was solid, not fast, but respectable. I got an omelet which was very nicely prepared. Not too much salt and very fluffy. And BIG props for serving Breakfast after Noon! The coffee was good, in a diner kinda way. Certainly not the best cup of joe I have ever had but good. All in all, a very solid choice for breakfast.
(4)Dean T.
Classic diner. Great decor. Excellent food.
(4)Melanie B.
I agree with Paul F! If I lived in Franklinton (which, btw, I am very enamored with), I'd be here all the time. Tommy's is a true diner, not a cheesy and/or ironic hipster diner (simulcrum!). I'm not sure what all the people who are complaining expect - it's a DINER, you know, the real kind? Where the food isn't supposed to be spectacular, and the service and coffee should mediocre? Actually, the service at Tommy's was very attentive, but the point is... seriously? Seriously. I loved Tommy's! The service was great and I really enjoyed that so many locals/people who worked in the area were in here. Boy and I went for a late breakfast, and it was most people's lunch break. We saw some people he knew, and the conversation was all about local business and the neighborhood - I find this extremely cool, personally. (Think globally, act locally, comrades!). So, if the locals are going to a local diner, you know it's a good place and not some hipster b.s.... The food was great. We shared some sort of "big breakfast" plate, which included eggs, hashbrown, sausage, and the most insanely good pancakes ever. Ever. Such a good idea to share - it was huge - and for nine bucks, we both got lunch and breakfast! Good Deal. So yeah, I'd definitely recommend checking this place out if you like diners. YUM.
(4)Darren M.
Great local, family-run diner with a welcoming atmosphere. Each time I have been there it is very busy, but every employee does a great job of treating each customer well. The food is always tasty and the service is quick. I am always very pleased after having a meal with friends at Tommy's. Highly recommended if you are looking for an authentic diner experience for breakfast or lunch.
(5)Haley W.
I can't think of a place in Columbus that serves a better breakfast. True 50's diner atmosphere, food is stellar, and our server was super sweet and nice, despite how busy she was. Also loved seeing a family owned/run restaurant thriving from doing business the old fashioned way. I will tell any/everyone I know about this place!
(5)Michael E.
Standard Greek diner Decent food but unworthy Of a special trip
(3)Gordon M.
Classic diner fare. The staff is awesome, the food is friendly...errr.. or the other way around. I think. Maybe. Here's what I do know: other places try to imitate this kind of atmosphere and fall terribly short... So instead they jack up their prices, adopt some ridiculous name, and sell you on the concept of how trendy they are. Clearly they think you are a pretentious hipster. Tommy and Mike and the guys here don't do that. They just wanna feed you some great food and chat you up. Save money, come here, eat some good food, and enjoy the atmosphere.
(5)Jess M.
Great Family Joint... Breakfast is extremely reasonably priced...cheap actually...and just love the atmosphere...full of regulars. This is not for the healthy nut, but definitely on target for those who are looking for some good old fashion high calorie breakfast or are looking to nurse a hangover. I support the local joint over the franchises such as Bob Evans anday...and I can guarantee the servers at Tommy's have 10x the heart...you can tell they love where they work
(4)Keith M.
Originally, I was going to visit a taco truck nearby, but they must have taken a day off. The new Los Camperos restaurant was dark inside and it was only after 1:30. Third times a charm: Tommy's is right there, so biking down W Broad on this wonderfully cool day was not in vain. While they have a parking lot, I was happy to use the first bike rack in Franklinton which I had the city install earlier. Where else would I have put it? Tommy's Diner does it right with that perfect balance between gravy-laden diner grub and that ideal old-school diner atmosphere. Despite being the very definition of a typical diner, this place is an anomaly, at least in this diner under-saturated city. I've been here for breakfast and lunch. For breakfast you can expect the usual: a couple of eggs with your choice of meat, toast, with a side of house fries. For lunch I went with the open face turkey sandwich and despite much or all of it not being made in house it was satisfying diner fare. Sometimes, having your lunch sit in a pool of slightly yellowish gravy is a good thing. I saw that the guy next to me got some awfully delectable-looking fried chicken and I then saw it listed on the daily special menu. I'll have to remember that next time I'm there on a Tuesday. They have Greek yogurt listed among their desserts, which I'm betting is full of fat, none of that low-fat or fat-free Yoplait/Dannon nonsense. They also have a facebook page so that I can double check the specials of the day before heading out. A Columbus stand by that makes good use of modern technology is another big plus. facebook.com/pages/Colum… Even though it was what would usually be considered post-lunchtime, this place was packed with people and many were acquainted with each other which is the kind of ambiance you expect at a neighborhood gathering spot such as this. Adding in the fact that there were throngs of old people that were hanging out and undaunted by the new show bar across the street makes you appreciate the fact that you just won't find this sort of nonchalant coexistence anywhere on High nowadays (OK, maybe S High). For that you have to head out west and you'll be glad you did.
(4)Nick A.
Six stars+ If I had to choose one restaurant in the city to eat at for the rest of my days, this is it. Full of regulars, consistent staff, Tommy himself... great tasting food, good variety, affordable prices. Crowded, but never too crowded, and always worth the wait if there is one.
(5)Caroline C.
I'm a huge fan of diners, and I'd heard great things about this place. Gotta admit though that the food at Tommy's Diner really isn't anything spectacular at all. My gyro & feta omelet was tasty, but the side of bacon was cold, and as tough as old boots. The big breakfast was fine but no better than that at Chef's House (Hilliard) where we usually go for Sunday breakfast. Very good coffee though. The booths are fine for 2 people, but large groups are going to have problems. And it is INCREDIBLY noisy. The service was perfunctory, and nothing more. I'm glad we checked it out, but it's not worth the drive.
(3)Chuck k.
Good breakfasts, neat atmosphere. It's a bit crowded and noisy.
(3)Vanessa W.
We were sent here by our hotel. The food was good - typical diner food. But the service was excellent and very speedy. Great atmosphere of a mixture of locals. Fun retro decor.
(4)Michael U.
The best diner I've been to in Columbus. There are many great breakfast places here that rank right up there with the best. I tried to go last week and the line was out the door. We went a little later this time so were sat right away. Great service...fast, friendly and the food was served HOT which seems rare now a days. Highly recommend. Will go back for dinner to try it out.
(5)Emily L.
if I lived closer to Tommy's, I'd weigh 300 pounds. It's so good. This is a real deal diner. Complete with retro red vinyl booths and pictures of the rich and famous all over the stainless steel walls. Tommy's is just a good old fashioned, family owned place. You can tell they care a lot about the restaurant and I've seen the same severs and staff here for years, which kind of just makes you feel like you're at home here. The menu for breakfast and lunch is huge, but I usually got with a couple specials that are usually on the board. My favorite is Tommy's Country Breakfast. It's a biscuit sliced in half and topped with 2 eggs cooked the way you like them, sausage gravy, and cheddar cheese. It's awesome. I also loved the corned beef hash and the eggs benedict when those are around. I don't get to come here as much as I used to in college, but when I do, it just makes me happy to be here.
(5)Will P.
Great breakfast Tommy's has one of the best breakfasts in town. The place has an old diner feel to it and the food tastes homemade. I had pancakes and they were great. Would recommend for breakfast expecially if you don't want the usual chain.
(4)Frank E.
Updating my review of three yeas ago I just have to reiterate how good Tommy's is and that I have become a multi times a week guest at this diner. The staff is friendly and never make you fell anything but welcomed. The food is great and I love trying the daily specials. The prices are reasonable and portion sizes perfect. While getting a seat at prime lunchtime, noon to one, my take a few minutes, it is well worth the wait. All you have to do is look at the diversity of the customers, from laborers, doctors, cops, elected city officials, lawyers, retired couples, and every one in between these, to see that Tommy's caters to every taste. It is the Columbus melting pot. Take time to visit Tommy's and discover your soon to be home away from home.
(5)Aaron S.
You want the real diner feel....hit Tommy's. Sometimes hard to get a seat. Usually always busy and they close early. So get in and grab a seat at the bar if you can't get a booth. You never know who you will run into here either....all walks of life come through those doors. I kept it simple and got some French toast...which was great in the realm of classic French toast. Atmosphere is what a real diner is. Order up and sit back for some good old fashioned people watching.
(5)Caroline C.
I'm a huge fan of diners, and I'd heard great things about this place. Gotta admit though that the food at Tommy's Diner really isn't anything spectacular at all. My gyro & feta omelet was tasty, but the side of bacon was cold, and as tough as old boots. The big breakfast was fine but no better than that at Chef's House (Hilliard) where we usually go for Sunday breakfast. Very good coffee though. The booths are fine for 2 people, but large groups are going to have problems. And it is INCREDIBLY noisy. The service was perfunctory, and nothing more. I'm glad we checked it out, but it's not worth the drive.
(3)Chuck k.
Good breakfasts, neat atmosphere. It's a bit crowded and noisy.
(3)Vanessa W.
We were sent here by our hotel. The food was good - typical diner food. But the service was excellent and very speedy. Great atmosphere of a mixture of locals. Fun retro decor.
(4)Michael E.
Standard Greek diner Decent food but unworthy Of a special trip
(3)Ed P.
Before leaving Columbus and returning home to Cincinnati this past weekend, we made one last stop for breakfast at a little place called Tommy's Diner. From the outside I wasn't expecting much from Tommy's. After parking the car beneath the large sign out front, we weren't sure which direction the restaurant actually was. Fortunately a line of people were leaving the restaurant as we had arrived, so we just followed the crowd into this rather plain-looking building. Once inside, however, it was clear that this truly was a diner. It isn't a dingy diner though, as the booths and tables all seemed to have been updated at least sometime in the last ten years. There are neon lights everywhere and a checkered floor as you would expect from a diner. Autographed photos cover the walls from famous visitors of the past. There was a pretty large crowd in the rather small space, but enough open tables for us to find a seat immediately. After being sat at a booth by who I would assume was Tommy, our server was at our side within minutes to take our drink order. Breakfast is served all day, and most of our group went that route. Though when my twelve-year-old brother-in-law heard that lunch was also available he went straight for the old fashioned burger with American cheese ($4.75). He also ordered a side of fries ($1.95). At this point in our trip he was really into providing ratings to me for my reviews. He rated the burger an 8 out of 10, and the fries just a 5. It seemed that the fries weren't salty enough for his tastes, so once we added a little more salt, he was good to go. My wife ordered a breakfast combo with an omelet and home fries. I didn't have any of the omelet, but I had a big share of the home fries and these were a nice mix of crunchy and soft potatoes. I couldn't find a price online, but the omelets are in the $6 - $7 range and a side of home fries are $1.75. We ordered a short stack of hotcakes for our two-year-old son ($3.50). These were pretty typical pancakes, but with a huge mound of butter. And now for the star of our meal, I ordered the stuffed French toast with fruit topping. This was a large stack of sourdough French toast with a cream cheese filling, topped with a mound of strawberries and a healthy amount of whipped cream. I was in heaven! Our food varied from average to amazing. Our service couldn't have been any nicer and the food was out to us in adequate time. Forget what the outside of Tommy's Diner looks like, there is plenty of good stuff inside.
(4)Melaney C.
It's worth going here just to meet Tommy or his son, Michael. They are super friendly. I generally run into someone I know, since if you go once, you've got to go again. Food is consistently good classic diner fare with some Greek specialties.
(5)Hanim S.
This place is very cool - Tommy is awesome (the owner), he greets ever guest that walks in and it seems like he knows everyone....the restaurant is right out of Happy Days, so much to look at and keep your eyes busy while waiting on your food. SPEAKING of food - OH.MY .GOODNES....it is Ah-----mazing....I had the pumpkin spice pancakes topped with apples and handmade whipped cream; and I could BARELY finish it! The kids enjoyed their grilled cheese and ate everything...hubby had meatloaf sandwich and seemed to enjoy it! It is in an interesting side of town, but big parking lot behind the building AND across the street...definetly a place to check out, especially on a Sunday after church!
(4)Mookie B.
I give it 4 stars, and conveniently located....in Franklinton. Try to eat there about Once a month. Soups are excellent, gyro is fine. Great place to take a client for an informal business lunch.
(4)Steve R.
Best damn diner in Columbus. Breakfast menu is astounding and lunch is just as good . It is good ole Diner food with all the fixings. I work right down the street and frequent the place often. Highly recommend if your looking for a great diner experience.
(5)Howard S.
Was the typical diner. Service was fast an the place was crowded at 1 pm. I had the juicy Lucy which is a burger with cheese pressed in it. The meat came out as requested it was angus beef seasoned perfectly. They have their own special sauce on the side. The only downside is I don't eat fries so they substituted a small cole slaw. The size if the cole slaw was disappointing.
(4)Carol C.
Tommy's Diner sits in that special goldilocks zone between retro and classic. Neon snakes along the ceiling, checkered tiles line the floor, and the menu is 1950's diner fare done right. We strolled in last Saturday morning when I had a craving for brunch, and Tommy himself showed us to a great booth by the window. Before he left, he winked and promised not to charge us extra for the view. It's that comfortable greasy spoon kind of customer service that you come to expect when you order at a counter and sip coffee from a ceramic mug. There's plenty of eye candy to snack on while you wait, including photos of the owner with the Bee Gees and a vintage Coca-Cola machine. But you won't have to wait long, thank goodness, because the table next to you probably has something delicious on it. I ordered a "Breakfast Club" off the Daily Specials menu before I figured out the John Hughes reference, but puns make everything taste better. It was built traditionally, with three toasted slices of wheat bread, romaine, tomato, a pile of ham, strips of bacon, both american and provolone cheeses, and a buttery fried egg. Two cheeses, three proteins, I don't even have to say how good it was. My husband had a sweet tooth so he went with a shortstack of blueberry pancakes and a side of bacon. They're the fluffy kind of cake, not the flat kind, with a good bite of berries and a spongy texture. Warning: If you're a stickler for real syrup, you'll have to tote your own. The bacon was good too, though a little overdone, but he seemed to love it and dipped each piece in syrup. My side of hash browns was undercooked, more like potatoes au gratin, though I can't really complain because I ate nearly all of a portion big enough for two. The wait staff knows what they're doing too, I watched them weave around customers waiting to be seated without skipping a beat, tipping a glass, or even dropping their smiles. We were in and out for $20 in under 30 minutes, but I recommend you come before 10:30am if you want to beat the weekend lunch rush. And trust me, you do. Or better yet, trust Tommy - he won't even charge you extra for the advice.
(4)troy l.
following Aaron's review went here yesterday for breakfast before i left south since it was on the way. Been here plenty of times over the years and it has always been more for the ambience than the food or service. unless you are a regular you will be served so-so and the food is ok. especially for the $. stuffed french toast is worth a try.
(3)Luke T.
This is definitely a diner. Kitschy to the max, full of bric-a-brac, and with a killer counter, few diners in Columbus can match it as far as decor and theme are concerned. The prices are also on point for diner-dom status. If you don't order a drink, you'll probably make it out for under $7-8. The menu is pretty extensive, about three pages front and back, one of which is the cover, making about 5 pages worth of items. Being a breakfast guy, I was a bit disappointed that only one of those pages features breakfast items. Breakfast guy or not, I was here for lunch, and I ordered a yummy sounding tuna melt with an order of curly fries. My lunch mate had the cheeseburger, and also ordered the curly fries after an entertaining discussion with the waitress about whether or not the curly ones were better than the regular ones. My tuna melt was a sloppy, gooey, delicious mess. Her cheeseburger was woefully smaller than expected. I would like to go back for breakfast sometime. A diner if ever there was one.
(3)Edward D.
Goog times, and even better food. Tommy's takes care of their customers the right way!
(5)Matt W.
Have you ever stepped into a place and felt like you somehow managed to transport yourself to a totally different part of the world? When I stepped into Tommy's Diner, I swore that I'd somehow been transported to upstate New York. A small but classic diner, Tommy's is quick, tasty, and CHEAP. It feels like it should be sitting next to the turnpike, not nestled into Franklinton. The menu is fairly normal diner fare, but the specials board is where it's at. We tried salmon patties and the Grecian Roasted Chicken and both were incredibly flavorful. The lemon potatoes and mac & cheese were excellent sides as well, but the veggie of the day (Green beans) were disappointingly mushy and really obviously out of a can. We also tried their rice pudding for dessert, and WOW. Very obviously made there (our waitress claimed we got the first serving out of a fresh batch), it was rich, thick, creamy, and spiced with just the right amount of cinnamon to give it a great tang. The best part? We were in and out for under $20 and about ~30 minutes. Absolutely worth dropping into - just don't be surprised if the line is out the door.
(4)Nick P.
One of my favorite places to eat or just grab some coffee and have a nice conversation
(5)Stanley Z.
Had a chance to go back when they were open. Cool place, food was great. (SEPT 2012) Might be good...but who would know because Ina one horse town known as Columbus there is no such thing as a diner that's open when people want to eat! Luckily, I have found Fitzy's ......open 24/7. That's where you should go.
(5)Michael G.
Always a treat! Good diner food, good service, good prices, good people!!
(4)Anita K.
Breakfast doesn't get any better than this! Definitely get a waffle, you will not be sorry!
(5)Taste Budz Z.
DEREK: Tommy's reminds me of the greasy spoon you love to go to when you need your comfort food. Tommy's just does good food and no matter what, your going to enjoy the experience. TROY: It's like God took a Greek Diner from Jersey and plopped it down in C-bus to show what good home cookin' food can be. It's just that when this place opened, the area was thriving and clean and safe and well you get the picture. DEREK: Although I'm glad I don't live in the neighborhood this little diner is located in, I wish I could put it a block or two from my home. Maybe I can talk them into using Efficient Moving to relocate from Broad Street...what do you think Troy? TROY: Ha ha, shameless plug you kiss a$$. DEREK: I ordered a simple fish and chips platter that also came with coleslaw. Coleslaw is just one of those items that only your mom can make well, but Tommy's was just the way I like it. Not the same as what you get at KFC, but it wasn't too creamy or thick. Very good and it complimented the fish and chips. I received a nice portion of fries and fish fillets and it was exactly the comfort food I need. Not foo foo or unusual, just what you expect from a good diner. TROY: I can't pull myself away from ordering breakfast every freakin time I come here! Eggs are good with lots of margarine making them even more unhealthy. The bacon is the absolute way to go, SKIP the sausage cause its not good (my favorite breakfast sausage is Bob Evans) and is like a pork/hamburger amalgamation like a salisbury steak... TROY: But, oh my, the waffle is from heaven. It's that good, and I'm a waffle fanatic so my opinion matters. Some lame places use their pancake batter to try to make a waffle, huh uh! True waffle batter is an art...a science, and Tommy has the secret recipe. No joke, I'm thinking about bringing my own real maple syrup next time to go insane from it. DEREK: Surprise of the visit was the ample parking for downtown location. Troy can I borrow your handicap placard sometime? Yeah... probably not.
(5)Ann S.
I always start craving Thanksgiving dinner this time of year and can't wait until the actual holiday. I saw this was one of the few places that had it and we'd never been there before. It was pretty crowded even though we went at what we considered an off peak time. Lots of regulars and the table we were told to sit at was so crammed I actually didn't see it. If you're not a fan of communal seating, hope for a booth. The server was super nice (she reminds me of Karla from The Chew/Top Chef) and the owner was nice too. The hubby really liked his grilled ham and cheese and fries. I got my Thanksgiving dinner for lunch and I was hoping it would be better. Everything tasted very canned/boxed. Maybe I'm just picky because I cook every meal so I'm used to home cooking but the gravy was neon yellow and the potatoes tasted like instant. It wasn't horrible but I was hoping for more. I have a feeling breakfast is their specialty so we'll be back to try that.
(3)Angela I.
I am a diner snob. I have pretty high breakfast standards, and I'm happy to say that Tommy's did not disappoint. Being an out of towner, I took a gamble and chose Tommy's when I came to Columbus thanks to other great reviews on here. The decor was really fun and the place had a casual family vibe. I believe the owner was in the day we went, and he was making his rounds to all the tables, which I appreciated! I ordered the pumpkin pancakes with apple topping and they were out of this world - and the coffee never stopped flowing! Just as a diner should be. I would definitely return in the future.
(4)Sarah C.
Ummm.....I HATE Tommy's. Please DO NOT go there! The food is awful and the owners scream at their employees in Greek! Hello! No one can understand you! Not even you're employee! I even saw a waitress cry because the beloved "Tommy" was screaming at her! Please do not go here. It's a waste of money and you will have a horrible experience! I even had an egg shell in my eggs and you know what the response was when I informed my waitress(I'm even terrified to even allude to who she was) "Please don't make me tell my boss, he'll fire me!" OMG really????? I didn't eat and still paid for the meal just so this woman could keep her job! Granted, I watched Tommy on her ass the entire time, but shouldn't they be more focused on customer service? Just a thought... I MAY try their other restaurants ,Milo's, the Sate House place, not sure of the official name, Kraft # 5, but I assume their all ran the same...so we'll see....more reviews to come....
(1)Dan H.
Where to start? I've been coming to Tommy's with three friends for breakfast every Wednesday for the last couple of years, and when I walk in at 6, our table is already set up with coffee cups and water glasses. Denise (who has been working here for 11 years) always knows exactly how we like our breakfast orders, even knows how much coffee each of us prefers, and always can tell if we need something and when we don't. In other words the perfect server! To me, a place might have the most delicious food in town, but if the service is rotten, I'm never going back. A place is only as good as its employees, and this place has got it. Plus, it's fortunate to actually have some of the best food in town!! The biscuits and gravy, the pancakes, the french toast, the eggs, the hash, the specials, oh -- the sweet rolls! .... I always find it hard to decide. Everything is outstanding. An all around awesome place. No wonder it's been around for so long. A visit to Columbus is never complete without a trip to Tommy's.
(5)Irene S.
We've been going to Tommy's Diner almost every Saturday for years, so that makes us regulars. We have "cheated" on Tom Pappas a few times by going to Cracker Barrel & Bob Evans for breakfast/lunch, and even though their food is decent, they really can't compete with this joint. I believe we've tried most everything on the menu by this point, but my absolute faves are the tuna salad gyro w/sweet potato fries, the potato soup w/fish sandwich on Fridays, and a Greek salad w/Pastichio - an authentic Greek (duh) specialty with heavenly beschamel layers. Ask your waitress for an end piece so you get two crispy sides! My husband really loves the cinnamon swirl pancakes, but he's been ordering lunch items lately to get out of his breakfast rut, and reports that everything he's tried has been top notch. The most positive thing about Tommy's Diner (besides the delicious food) is the sense of community. It's FUN to gather with a bunch of friendly people with happy faces eating great food. Yeah, it does get really loud when the place is humming (especially on Buckeyes football Saturdays), but that just adds to the ambience. Cap City Diner is wonderful as well, but c'mon folks: we all know that ain't a true diner!
(5)Zeta P.
Loved this place. Total classic diner fare and atmosphere. Seems like a very regulars crowd. It's a little loud as other reviews said but I liked the hub bub of it. Steak and eggs with a perfect sunny side up totally cured me from the one too many cocktails blues. Hubs loved his eggs benedict ....Greasy spoon goodness:)
(5)Kyle J.
I love diner food. This place is so cool. Full of all kinds of different people, I've gone here for lunch twice now. I always get the potato soup when it's available. I add cheese and bacon which they crisp to death (just the way I like it) and mix it with some crackers. I've also had omelettes and a gyro which both are quite tasty. For a diner they have all the basics, plus burgers, gyros, and daily specials. Plus it's pretty cheap! I usually go here on Fridays with two guys I work with for lunch and the people watching is always top notch. It can become very noisy and busy but, seriously, what else do you expect from a diner? I can't recommend this place enough, it's great. Say hi to Tommy when you go, he's most likely there.
(4)Chantel C.
We went on a Sunday afternoon, it was very busy, loud and we were very cramped by the door. My honey felt as though they were seating others before us due to maybe who they were, but I don't know that for sure. When we finally got sat our server was prompt to get to us and was surprisingly on top of our table despite the busyess. I wouldn't say she was the most friendly or social, but she did the job. The menu is very extensive for such a small place and so many choices plus they have specials everyday too. I tried something I have never had before in my life, but have heard people say how good it is and that is fried chicken and waffles. The waffle was huge and had a nice crisp to it, but the chicken was tepid at best and was just chicken fingers that seemed not fried long enough. I got a side of home fries with cheese and onions and those were really hot and tasty. The food was decent enough for all 3 of us sitting at the table, but if I go back I will be trying something non breakfast and on their normal menu since I imagine that is what they are known for. Oh the bathroom was very clean too. I give 3 stars because of the hours being so limited, the waiting space also being so cramped and my chicken being not very warm and not crispy.
(3)Goose R.
First of all, not complaining, just saying, why is it called a diner where you cannot even dine here? It closes at 3pm. Should be called cafeteria or something. Again, just saying. Came here for lunch, 12ish. There was a line to get in. I heard a guy said he came from Florida straight to eat here. I ordered the Cajun chicken sandwich per a friends recommendation. The sandwich was OK, Nothing to write home about. 1 slice of lettuce? wow, really? Man, talk about cutting down prices. My friend ordered a decent looking Angus burger. Overall an OK place to go to eat. Wait 15 mins in line? I think not.
(3)Christiana C.
When I stepped into Tommy's, I almost feel like I stepped into a different time period. This place is so so awesome. I think this place would be awesome to take someone visiting Columbus. The place was packed when we came around lunchtime on a weekday, but we only waited 5 minutes for a table to open up. We sat by a bunch of Beegees signed photos (awesome) and the waitstaff was with us instantly. I also loved that the waitstaff was REAL. I felt like I was just talking to someone instead of being given a pre-memorized script while their eyes keep roaming beyond my face. Is this the best food I ever had? No, it is not. But I still loved it more than any Bob Evans (stop ruining my eggs, Bob!) and I do think that the quality of the food was pretty well reflected in the product. And if I get an awesom ambiance and awesome service in the meantime, I'm on board.
(4)Karrie B.
#1 50's diner in Columbus. Traditional, Greek, and biscuits and gravy....they're all good.
(5)Andrew C.
If you like french toast made out of wonder bread with two heaping scoops of margerin and log cabin syrup.......this is your place......otherwise stay away!! We also had the bacon cheese omlet, thinking how hard is it to screw that up, well they managed by having dense scrambled eggs with velveeta cheese on top......mmmmmm.
(1)Craig L.
Based on how busy this place was when I visited I am a little scared for my health to only give it 4 stars. But, I guess I will just have to take the risk. The first thing you notice when you walk in to Tommy's is the 50's style decor. It is fun, seemingly authentic, not chochy. I saddled up to the counter which was a little cramped (and I sit at a lot of counters/bars). The service was solid, not fast, but respectable. I got an omelet which was very nicely prepared. Not too much salt and very fluffy. And BIG props for serving Breakfast after Noon! The coffee was good, in a diner kinda way. Certainly not the best cup of joe I have ever had but good. All in all, a very solid choice for breakfast.
(4)Dean T.
Classic diner. Great decor. Excellent food.
(4)Melanie B.
I agree with Paul F! If I lived in Franklinton (which, btw, I am very enamored with), I'd be here all the time. Tommy's is a true diner, not a cheesy and/or ironic hipster diner (simulcrum!). I'm not sure what all the people who are complaining expect - it's a DINER, you know, the real kind? Where the food isn't supposed to be spectacular, and the service and coffee should mediocre? Actually, the service at Tommy's was very attentive, but the point is... seriously? Seriously. I loved Tommy's! The service was great and I really enjoyed that so many locals/people who worked in the area were in here. Boy and I went for a late breakfast, and it was most people's lunch break. We saw some people he knew, and the conversation was all about local business and the neighborhood - I find this extremely cool, personally. (Think globally, act locally, comrades!). So, if the locals are going to a local diner, you know it's a good place and not some hipster b.s.... The food was great. We shared some sort of "big breakfast" plate, which included eggs, hashbrown, sausage, and the most insanely good pancakes ever. Ever. Such a good idea to share - it was huge - and for nine bucks, we both got lunch and breakfast! Good Deal. So yeah, I'd definitely recommend checking this place out if you like diners. YUM.
(4)Darren M.
Great local, family-run diner with a welcoming atmosphere. Each time I have been there it is very busy, but every employee does a great job of treating each customer well. The food is always tasty and the service is quick. I am always very pleased after having a meal with friends at Tommy's. Highly recommended if you are looking for an authentic diner experience for breakfast or lunch.
(5)Haley W.
I can't think of a place in Columbus that serves a better breakfast. True 50's diner atmosphere, food is stellar, and our server was super sweet and nice, despite how busy she was. Also loved seeing a family owned/run restaurant thriving from doing business the old fashioned way. I will tell any/everyone I know about this place!
(5)niki q.
As soon we we walked in, we were greeted by Tom who offered us "the wost table in the place" beside the long line of customers and directly in front of the door. We were seated beneath a picture of Telly Savalas and could hear Harry Nilsson playing on the stereo and I know we were in for a treat! The horrible table ended up being kind of great because we got to watch Tom in action during our meal. He knew everyone that came in and you could tell that everyone loved him. We did too. And we also loved the gyros and onion rings. With tip, our meal for two (which was both delicious and ridiculously filling) came in under $20. I will be back.. and back and back.
(5)Steve And Lazz D.
I would not recommend this place to others. The Owner was very rude to me. The waitress took our order and we did not see her again until it was time for the check. When she gave us our check, she noticed that I did not eat my breakfast. I explained to her it was cold when I got it and not what I expected. THe owner then came to my table and said sorry I did not like it, but that i should have ate it, cause he couldn't eat. I was surprised at the remark and offended, so we left. Sounds like TOmmy and his staff has treated other customers with smiling faces, but we did not experience that.
(2)Gordon M.
Classic diner fare. The staff is awesome, the food is friendly...errr.. or the other way around. I think. Maybe. Here's what I do know: other places try to imitate this kind of atmosphere and fall terribly short... So instead they jack up their prices, adopt some ridiculous name, and sell you on the concept of how trendy they are. Clearly they think you are a pretentious hipster. Tommy and Mike and the guys here don't do that. They just wanna feed you some great food and chat you up. Save money, come here, eat some good food, and enjoy the atmosphere.
(5)Jess M.
Great Family Joint... Breakfast is extremely reasonably priced...cheap actually...and just love the atmosphere...full of regulars. This is not for the healthy nut, but definitely on target for those who are looking for some good old fashion high calorie breakfast or are looking to nurse a hangover. I support the local joint over the franchises such as Bob Evans anday...and I can guarantee the servers at Tommy's have 10x the heart...you can tell they love where they work
(4)Luke T.
This is definitely a diner. Kitschy to the max, full of bric-a-brac, and with a killer counter, few diners in Columbus can match it as far as decor and theme are concerned. The prices are also on point for diner-dom status. If you don't order a drink, you'll probably make it out for under $7-8. The menu is pretty extensive, about three pages front and back, one of which is the cover, making about 5 pages worth of items. Being a breakfast guy, I was a bit disappointed that only one of those pages features breakfast items. Breakfast guy or not, I was here for lunch, and I ordered a yummy sounding tuna melt with an order of curly fries. My lunch mate had the cheeseburger, and also ordered the curly fries after an entertaining discussion with the waitress about whether or not the curly ones were better than the regular ones. My tuna melt was a sloppy, gooey, delicious mess. Her cheeseburger was woefully smaller than expected. I would like to go back for breakfast sometime. A diner if ever there was one.
(3)Matt W.
Have you ever stepped into a place and felt like you somehow managed to transport yourself to a totally different part of the world? When I stepped into Tommy's Diner, I swore that I'd somehow been transported to upstate New York. A small but classic diner, Tommy's is quick, tasty, and CHEAP. It feels like it should be sitting next to the turnpike, not nestled into Franklinton. The menu is fairly normal diner fare, but the specials board is where it's at. We tried salmon patties and the Grecian Roasted Chicken and both were incredibly flavorful. The lemon potatoes and mac & cheese were excellent sides as well, but the veggie of the day (Green beans) were disappointingly mushy and really obviously out of a can. We also tried their rice pudding for dessert, and WOW. Very obviously made there (our waitress claimed we got the first serving out of a fresh batch), it was rich, thick, creamy, and spiced with just the right amount of cinnamon to give it a great tang. The best part? We were in and out for under $20 and about ~30 minutes. Absolutely worth dropping into - just don't be surprised if the line is out the door.
(4)Howard S.
Was the typical diner. Service was fast an the place was crowded at 1 pm. I had the juicy Lucy which is a burger with cheese pressed in it. The meat came out as requested it was angus beef seasoned perfectly. They have their own special sauce on the side. The only downside is I don't eat fries so they substituted a small cole slaw. The size if the cole slaw was disappointing.
(4)Edward D.
Goog times, and even better food. Tommy's takes care of their customers the right way!
(5)Aaron A.
Woah baby! Tommy's is great to visit on weekdays! I have only been there for weekend breakfast. I visited on a Wednesday around 1pm and got a great booth right away. Plenty of tables for a late lunch. One of the Wednesday specials is a fish basket. I like to order fish and chips when it's on the menu and Tommy's fried fish is FANTASTIC! Absolutely mouth watering. Spicy, crispy batter, juicy, flaky, tender, super fresh, SO GOOD. This is one of the best pieces of fried fish I have ever eaten, and all I had to do was go to Tommy's for lunch instead of brunch. They serve this absolutely divine fish in huge portions every Wednesday. It makes me wonder what other unbelievable daily specials are waiting to be discovered. Tommy's is the best!
(5)Martha W.
4.5 stars. My friends brought me here over the weekend and I fell in love. How could I have missed this place for so long? Excellent diner, at every level: good food (we had eggs, French toast, coffee, etc.), cheerful service, welcoming atmosphere, fantastic decor. Love. It. Tommy's -- You're fab.
(4)Cherie B.
We LOVE Tommy's!! Best breakfast in town!! Try the new outside seating. It is lovely. Order mimosas or bloody mary's. They are always amazing. Also, the Greek omelet and eggs Benedict are to die for. Give them a try! Tommy is there himself. Be sure to say hello to him.
(5)Tanja M.
Tommy's Diner is great! I've only had breakfast food here but it was amazing. The stuffed French toast special is to die for, the waffles are one of the best I've had, and they generally cook everything really well. I get annoyed at breakfast places for undercooking or overcooking the eggs but Tommy's gets it right every time. A huge plus is that it is very affordable!! The service is great and the owner is really friendly!
(5)Jen F.
Always a fantastic meal. Love the diner feel. The wait staff is always outstanding! We have been going to Tommy's for years and 95% of the staff has been there long before we started going. That is a true sign of a well run restaurant. Michael is always so welcoming.. Marie always treats us as family... We just love her. Jen is awesome as well!! Now on to the food.. I'm not a huge breakfast fan, but their western omelette is the bomb! I have never had a bad meal that's for sure. Highly recommended!!
(5)Mimi W.
I love diners and I love Tommy's. I grew up in Columbus and didn't know about this place til my hubby took me there this past summer. Since then it's become one of our favorite dining options. I love love love love the corned beef hash and the home fries w/gravy. The place is always packed or near-packed but we've never experienced lowered service because of it. This is the diner to which I compare all other diners in the city.
(5)Michael B.
This diner is somewhat of a local establishment in Columbus. Great breakfast menu, and an even better eggs Benedict! A weekend morning favorite. I can't fault the restaurant for this, but it does have a tendency to get a little loud inside.
(4)Emily L.
if I lived closer to Tommy's, I'd weigh 300 pounds. It's so good. This is a real deal diner. Complete with retro red vinyl booths and pictures of the rich and famous all over the stainless steel walls. Tommy's is just a good old fashioned, family owned place. You can tell they care a lot about the restaurant and I've seen the same severs and staff here for years, which kind of just makes you feel like you're at home here. The menu for breakfast and lunch is huge, but I usually got with a couple specials that are usually on the board. My favorite is Tommy's Country Breakfast. It's a biscuit sliced in half and topped with 2 eggs cooked the way you like them, sausage gravy, and cheddar cheese. It's awesome. I also loved the corned beef hash and the eggs benedict when those are around. I don't get to come here as much as I used to in college, but when I do, it just makes me happy to be here.
(5)Will P.
Great breakfast Tommy's has one of the best breakfasts in town. The place has an old diner feel to it and the food tastes homemade. I had pancakes and they were great. Would recommend for breakfast expecially if you don't want the usual chain.
(4)Michael U.
The best diner I've been to in Columbus. There are many great breakfast places here that rank right up there with the best. I tried to go last week and the line was out the door. We went a little later this time so were sat right away. Great service...fast, friendly and the food was served HOT which seems rare now a days. Highly recommend. Will go back for dinner to try it out.
(5)Frank E.
Updating my review of three yeas ago I just have to reiterate how good Tommy's is and that I have become a multi times a week guest at this diner. The staff is friendly and never make you fell anything but welcomed. The food is great and I love trying the daily specials. The prices are reasonable and portion sizes perfect. While getting a seat at prime lunchtime, noon to one, my take a few minutes, it is well worth the wait. All you have to do is look at the diversity of the customers, from laborers, doctors, cops, elected city officials, lawyers, retired couples, and every one in between these, to see that Tommy's caters to every taste. It is the Columbus melting pot. Take time to visit Tommy's and discover your soon to be home away from home.
(5)Aaron S.
You want the real diner feel....hit Tommy's. Sometimes hard to get a seat. Usually always busy and they close early. So get in and grab a seat at the bar if you can't get a booth. You never know who you will run into here either....all walks of life come through those doors. I kept it simple and got some French toast...which was great in the realm of classic French toast. Atmosphere is what a real diner is. Order up and sit back for some good old fashioned people watching.
(5)Mookie B.
I give it 4 stars, and conveniently located....in Franklinton. Try to eat there about Once a month. Soups are excellent, gyro is fine. Great place to take a client for an informal business lunch.
(4)Steve R.
Best damn diner in Columbus. Breakfast menu is astounding and lunch is just as good . It is good ole Diner food with all the fixings. I work right down the street and frequent the place often. Highly recommend if your looking for a great diner experience.
(5)Ed P.
Before leaving Columbus and returning home to Cincinnati this past weekend, we made one last stop for breakfast at a little place called Tommy's Diner. From the outside I wasn't expecting much from Tommy's. After parking the car beneath the large sign out front, we weren't sure which direction the restaurant actually was. Fortunately a line of people were leaving the restaurant as we had arrived, so we just followed the crowd into this rather plain-looking building. Once inside, however, it was clear that this truly was a diner. It isn't a dingy diner though, as the booths and tables all seemed to have been updated at least sometime in the last ten years. There are neon lights everywhere and a checkered floor as you would expect from a diner. Autographed photos cover the walls from famous visitors of the past. There was a pretty large crowd in the rather small space, but enough open tables for us to find a seat immediately. After being sat at a booth by who I would assume was Tommy, our server was at our side within minutes to take our drink order. Breakfast is served all day, and most of our group went that route. Though when my twelve-year-old brother-in-law heard that lunch was also available he went straight for the old fashioned burger with American cheese ($4.75). He also ordered a side of fries ($1.95). At this point in our trip he was really into providing ratings to me for my reviews. He rated the burger an 8 out of 10, and the fries just a 5. It seemed that the fries weren't salty enough for his tastes, so once we added a little more salt, he was good to go. My wife ordered a breakfast combo with an omelet and home fries. I didn't have any of the omelet, but I had a big share of the home fries and these were a nice mix of crunchy and soft potatoes. I couldn't find a price online, but the omelets are in the $6 - $7 range and a side of home fries are $1.75. We ordered a short stack of hotcakes for our two-year-old son ($3.50). These were pretty typical pancakes, but with a huge mound of butter. And now for the star of our meal, I ordered the stuffed French toast with fruit topping. This was a large stack of sourdough French toast with a cream cheese filling, topped with a mound of strawberries and a healthy amount of whipped cream. I was in heaven! Our food varied from average to amazing. Our service couldn't have been any nicer and the food was out to us in adequate time. Forget what the outside of Tommy's Diner looks like, there is plenty of good stuff inside.
(4)Melaney C.
It's worth going here just to meet Tommy or his son, Michael. They are super friendly. I generally run into someone I know, since if you go once, you've got to go again. Food is consistently good classic diner fare with some Greek specialties.
(5)Hanim S.
This place is very cool - Tommy is awesome (the owner), he greets ever guest that walks in and it seems like he knows everyone....the restaurant is right out of Happy Days, so much to look at and keep your eyes busy while waiting on your food. SPEAKING of food - OH.MY .GOODNES....it is Ah-----mazing....I had the pumpkin spice pancakes topped with apples and handmade whipped cream; and I could BARELY finish it! The kids enjoyed their grilled cheese and ate everything...hubby had meatloaf sandwich and seemed to enjoy it! It is in an interesting side of town, but big parking lot behind the building AND across the street...definetly a place to check out, especially on a Sunday after church!
(4)Carol C.
Tommy's Diner sits in that special goldilocks zone between retro and classic. Neon snakes along the ceiling, checkered tiles line the floor, and the menu is 1950's diner fare done right. We strolled in last Saturday morning when I had a craving for brunch, and Tommy himself showed us to a great booth by the window. Before he left, he winked and promised not to charge us extra for the view. It's that comfortable greasy spoon kind of customer service that you come to expect when you order at a counter and sip coffee from a ceramic mug. There's plenty of eye candy to snack on while you wait, including photos of the owner with the Bee Gees and a vintage Coca-Cola machine. But you won't have to wait long, thank goodness, because the table next to you probably has something delicious on it. I ordered a "Breakfast Club" off the Daily Specials menu before I figured out the John Hughes reference, but puns make everything taste better. It was built traditionally, with three toasted slices of wheat bread, romaine, tomato, a pile of ham, strips of bacon, both american and provolone cheeses, and a buttery fried egg. Two cheeses, three proteins, I don't even have to say how good it was. My husband had a sweet tooth so he went with a shortstack of blueberry pancakes and a side of bacon. They're the fluffy kind of cake, not the flat kind, with a good bite of berries and a spongy texture. Warning: If you're a stickler for real syrup, you'll have to tote your own. The bacon was good too, though a little overdone, but he seemed to love it and dipped each piece in syrup. My side of hash browns was undercooked, more like potatoes au gratin, though I can't really complain because I ate nearly all of a portion big enough for two. The wait staff knows what they're doing too, I watched them weave around customers waiting to be seated without skipping a beat, tipping a glass, or even dropping their smiles. We were in and out for $20 in under 30 minutes, but I recommend you come before 10:30am if you want to beat the weekend lunch rush. And trust me, you do. Or better yet, trust Tommy - he won't even charge you extra for the advice.
(4)troy l.
following Aaron's review went here yesterday for breakfast before i left south since it was on the way. Been here plenty of times over the years and it has always been more for the ambience than the food or service. unless you are a regular you will be served so-so and the food is ok. especially for the $. stuffed french toast is worth a try.
(3)