Tommy’s Restaurant

I LOVE the catfish here. I’ve never tasted it prepared better. Anytime I’m traveling through VA, I HAVE to stop here. I just wished they stayed open past 3pm and accepted credit cards. Does anyone know why these two things dont happen there?

Food here is cheap and plentiful, which is what it takes to succeed in this area, but the food screams «fat, chain-​smoking bachelor,» and I just can’t do the greasy/​salty thing. The eggs tasted powdered/​runny (ugh) and I had ordered «scrambled, well-​done.»
On the positive side, the place is *much* cleaner than it used to be (aside from the gummy, sticky chair backs) It looks like the dishwasher has been replaced, so that’s great. Food particles and water spots are no longer on *every plate/​cup/​utensil.
Not my style, at all, but I get why other locals like it.

I have gave Tommy’s several chances before writing this review. Today’s visit sealed my thought that I will never willingly choose to eat here again.
Today my family went (4 adults) for breakfast. We waited in line for maybe 5 minutes. There were several empty tables within view so I’m not sure what we were waiting for. Our waitress was less than pleasant– seemed either irritated with us or to be working in general. We all ordered something slightly different. I ordered the combination with extra crispy hash browns over medium eggs– let our waitress know that I wanted no runny whites. My first egg was most definitely runny. I couldn’t eat half of it. The second egg was mildly better. My bacon was greasy and floppy. The pancakes tasted like grease. My extra crispy hash browns looked like they had put extra grease on them to try to crisp them up… they were disgusting. My husband ordered his eggs over hard. They were runny as well. We told our waitress that our eggs were wrong and she looked at us like it didn’t matter and told us they wouldn’t replace them since we had already eaten around the runny parts. She didn’t apologize– didn’t offer to comp anything from the bill. The same could care less attitude was given to us when we paid the bill.
Seriously would be better off at the cracker barrel down the road. Or even mcdonalds… at least McDonald’s will make a mistake right.

I think the consistent high marks of 5 stars for this place are based on a sense of nostalgia. The food is average, the coffee is standard diner coffee and the staff definitely give you a «towny» feel to the place. The décor is standard 90’s diner and the pictures of celebrities that have visited pasted across the wall is endearing. I don’t understand waiting in line but I can appreciate that Tommy’s is a part of Hampton’s history and they have a faithful following. Perhaps an out-​of-​towner such as myself wouldn’t quite get the allure of Tommy’s?

Excellent friendly service, place is clean as can be. I dare you to find dust. Good prices and good portions. They keep your coffee/​drinks full as well. I was in Hampton for business and found this place. Ate there 5 times in 3 days if that tells you anything. Cash only, which I don’t blame them at all. The credit card companies jam the merchants as well as the customers. Only problem is you may have to wait for a table from time to time, but once you get seated they are quick as can be. I got a fish sandwich that must have come from a fillet off of Moby Dick… it was fresh and cooked perfectly btw. If you are in Hampton, and eschew the chain restaurants, this is your place.

The food has gone down in quality past few years, as gravy is a mix, potatoes have lumps and taste horrnible, no rolls, alway run out of desee-​xrts, extra .75 for a to go cup, so noisy you can’t hear person other side of table. These people have made millions yet wont fix the noise problem. Back side of chairs are sticky and the health department needs to shut this place dowvefewn for uncleaniness.

I used to adore this place but I think it is fallen short over the years. I ordered cheese grits and they brought me a bowel of grits with a Kraft single on top… nuff said

This was a disappointing visit and a difficult one to give a sub par review of with so many really enjoying their experience. I however could not quite get them on par and will not rush back, but will give them another try in the future.
The location is on the Newport News/​Hampton line, but it is a Hampton address. The businesses along Mercury blend in easily. I go by here frequently and this is the first time I noticed them. They are beside a Jiffy Lube and a Burger King is across the street. If you turn too early, or too late you can still double back without getting on the main road Mercury.
Parking lot is pretty spacious. I came in on a weekday around 10 AM and the lot was around 70% full, so they get a good business even on an off day and time. That tells me they are mobbed on weekends and peak weekday AM.
The entrance is from the side, there is no main entrance. I noticed lots of Best of from previous years, but nothing in the past few. There is also bench seating for waiting for a table to open. Once inside more bench seating.
The hostess station is at the end of the hall just inside the dining room. I was taken care of quickly and seated to the very front. The dining room was pretty full, the area where I was had a couple of table unoccupied. The hostess set a menu down. I headed for the restroom which is in the back. They were certainly nothing fancy and dated. However clean with proper supplies.
The dining room is comprised of all tables and chairs and it oozes a country feel. For me there was nothing I was excited about on the décor whatsoever. It was old country outdated I guess you could call it. Every table not occupied was clean, the carpeting was clean and no debris in sight. These are great signs of good management.
I went back to the table and waited a few minutes for my server Alexis to wait on me. I asked for a suggestion and settled on the hash with eggs and a biscuit which was homeade per the server. She got on my order of coffee immediately and was very friendly, I liked her. While waiting for my meal I got very warm by the window. Heat was coming from some where and it was not comfortable.
I did get one timely refill of coffee while waiting. The coffee was passable, no more. My breakfast came out in about 20 minutes. The eggs were no fixed properly and almost raw. Luckily the server was on top of checking in and took them back. When brought back they were at least the way I ordered, but did not taste great. Unsure how you can mess up poached eggs. The hash looked like a can of cat food and did not taste too much better. The biscuit was rubbery like it had just been microwaved. The tomatoes where fresh and on a crisp bed of lettuce.
I ate over half the meal and decided it just did not take good enough to warrant finishing it. I waited for a coffee refill, but it never happen. After around ten minutes waiting I flagged her down and asked for my bill. Alexis advised me cash, or check only. If any issue there is an ATM in the hall.
I took my check up front and met an older lady who said she was the owners Mother when I asked. She still has a think accent from growing up in Greece. She was friendly, but straight forward to move me on. The amount was correct and I asked for change for tip to put on the table She said she would take care if it and appeared to wrap the bill up with money and put under the counter.
After having this place on my list to visit for breakfast for easily a year I hoped for more. I don’t think another time would change much, but maybe. I am willing to give it another try in the future… but NO RUSH!

Wow. This is probably one of the best breakfast spots I’ve been to in a LONG time. We arrived around 9:45 on a Saturday morning. Line was starting to go out of the building when we got there but it moved rather quickly. When we got to the hostess stand we were immediately seated and our server was quick to take our drink & food orders. I ordered the sausage omelette and added cheese and bacon. It came with home fries and a biscuit. My bf got the chicken wing basket and a side order of a Belgium waffle and home fries. Our food came out about 20 mins later. It was extremely fresh and the portions are huge. Out waitress never let our drinks go empty. Highly recommend this place and I plan to make it one of my regular go-​to spots. Note: the only take cash but they do provide an on-​site ATM.

A local’s favorite! The service is fast and they push food out crazy fast. The line is always out the door and this is a CASH ONLY breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot!

Despite being extremely loud and busy on this Saturday morning, the service at Tommy’s was prompt, courteous, and attentive.
The food was delicious. The country fried chicken breakfast with white gravy was delectable. I ordered sautéed mushrooms on the side and dumped them on the gravy which added a delightful touch.
Be prepared to wait a little while: we arrived to find a long line out the door, but even then despite the crowd of people, they still managed to get us in within around 15 minutes. It’s also extremely noisy, but I have found most breakfast joints down here in the south to be this way.

Good and fast and friendly service!!! It’s fairly small but it works for the crowd and environment! We walked in and got seated right away!!!
Please BRING CASH, THEY ONLY ACCEPT CASH AND CHECKS!!! But they do conveniently have an ATM in the lobby.
New in town and I think I found a new stop!!!
I will be coming again

Went to this restaurant on a Saturday and it was pretty packed. The staff works quickly and will get you seated in a decent amount of time. They were also pleasant and polite. The food here is good for the price. I had grits, pancakes, ham, eggs (the Tommy’s combo) and added hash browns and fried apples. They were all delicious! The only reason I’m giving three stars instead of four is that my orange juice tastes a little old :-/​and they only take cash or check. I just find that inconvenient in 2015! But overall if you want a good casual, cheap breakfast this is w good deal.

Very good breakfast. Cash only which isn’t too convenient. The portions are sufficient, and service is always good. There is usually a long wait but quick in receiving the food.

It is very busy, and very much worth the wait. The prices are insane (in your favor) and the portions are generous. The home fries were the best I’ve ever had, the sausage was tasty and not greasy. Hush puppies flavor was perfection. This is Diner food at its very best.

Quick service, great food. I ordered the meat lovers omelet with hash browns, and a biscuit on the side. I enjoyed the food and the speed of the service. The waiter knew his menu in and out.
****The only reason it gets 4 stars is because it does not take Cards****
It’s 2015, really?

So I pulled into the parking lot clean as a whistle (off of Mercury Blvd) which is almost unheard of in this area… I’m not a big fan of this area of Hampton as I use to live here but I can’t believe this gem!
I walk into the restaurant and the door is laden with stickers of all kind, I don’t know what is relevant. Ill tell you what I didn’t see? Credit card stickers on the door, know why? There’s an ATM in the lobby with a $ 2.75 surcharge because this restaurant only accepts checks and cash, odd!
I walked into the door and there were two employees at the furthest table. One was rolling silver ware and the other was separating coffee filters. I walked in and stood in the doorway being stared at for a long 30 seconds before I was asked if I was dining in.
My chair was sticky but ok, maybe it’s because the wood is old.
The food was ok, nothing I would write home about. I can tell you my waitress had me try the cinnamon toast and it was delicious!!! Other than that, everything else was just ok.
Tommy’s Combo: *new price* $ 6.50
Diet Pepsi: $ 2.19
Honestly, I’d rather have gone next door and had a doughnut and coffee.

Tommy’s Restaurant is a very busy, very popular diner that serves a real deal down home breakfast. I came on a Friday morning for a business meeting and the place was hopping. And for as busy as it is — service is fast! My omelet appeared within minutes from ordering it and it was steaming hot and delicious. Coffee refills are constant and my server was friendly and efficient.
Something to note — I waited in the lobby area for about a half hour as I was early for my meeting. Each and every person that walked past said hello or good morning. Maybe it is Southern Charm or maybe it is just a lot of happy customers. Either way, I’ll be back next time I’m in the area.

Tommy’s is one of these Mom & Pop shops that’s been open for as long as I can remember. Just so that there is no confusion, just let me first say that their hours are from 6AM to 3PM and THEY DO NOT TAKE CREDIT OR DEBIT CARDS!!! This is not a TYPO. They do have an ATM in the corner. Just bring cash please. I have never in the history of eating here seen this place not packed. I don’t care if it’s 7AM or 2PM. In the summer time just about every day the line is out the door. And EVERY weekend it’s the same. Drive by and you’ll see. People just in line talking and waiting. Do yourself a favor and place a to go order if being packed like sardines isn’t your thing (doesn’t bother me because the food, the price and the service make up for it).
So on to the food. Let’s see how can I describe it… It’s good COMFORT food. Steak and eggs, omelets, grits, salmon cakes, sausage patties, scrapple all YUMMY. The only thing that I’ve had on the lunch menu is the catfish and it was GOOD. I’m a breakfast girl so I usually stick to the breakfast side of the menu. Even when I got the catfish, I ordered it with cheese grits and scrambled eggs (it’s a southern thing) Service is fast paced and excellent. One of my favorite spots when I’m in Hampton. And once I leave, I go across the street and get a donut at Krispy Kreme to prepare me for my customary after meal nap.

I’ll give four stars:
I had the Tommy’s breakfast and my boyfriend had the two eggs with chicken bacon. We both had hash browns and a biscuit, shared a side of corned beef hash and I had pancakes. He drank a Mountain Dew and I had a coffee. All for under $ 22.
The service was amazing! We were seated fast & our drinks stayed filled.
The food was alright it was a good amount for what we paid but I didn’t see the hype behind it. It wasn’t bad by any means but it wasn’t the best breakfast I’ve ever had.
I will probably go back to try their lunch items.
Tip: bring cash BC they don’t accept cards (which is inconvenient in my opinion but they have an ATM on site.)