This place is an absolute gem and worth burning a little gas to get to. The food was outstanding and the staff somehow managed to be both wildly efficient and genuinely warm, like they actually enjoy being there. I ordered the half garbage plate with sausage and bacon. Pro tip: ask the difference between the half and the whole before you commit. The half comes with three eggs. The whole comes with five. Five. I chose wisely. Oh and don't forget the homemade bread smothered in butter! It's clearly a neighborhood staple. People were greeting each other by name, swapping stories across tables, and operating like they've been meeting there every Saturday since 1974. Thankfully, they extend that same friendliness to random out-of-towners who just wandered in hungry. The vibe is energetic and communal, the kind of place where conversations overlap and nobody seems to mind. It has a modern, eclectic feel, but there's also a subtle time-machine quality to it. Like you stepped into the 1960s, just with better coffee and fewer ashtrays. Perfect blend of nostalgic and now. read more

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This place is super cute because it was an old train car made into a diner. There is so much eye candy around with funny signs. If you're a snobby person or someone with tons of food allergies don't come here. They are irrelevant in a very good way. I would stick to the basics here. My friend got the cheeseburger with fries and it was perfect. They have fresh meat, no frozen patties. I got the half order of biscuits and gravy with 2 eggs and it was perfect diner style food. The portions are huge so a half order was way more than enough. My friend had the roast beef omelette and I wouldn't recommend it because the beef was in chunks and was full of gristle. However, everything else was terrific. I didn't have the garbage plate because the portion was huge but it's on my list for next time. Maybe I'll split it with someone because you need to come hungry. Prices are very reasonable but it's cash only. read more

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I love Franks Diner. I remember the first time my husband took me there, probably about 18 years ago. He had been hitting up Franks for years before we met... he thought I was pretty special, so he finally took me there. Fast forward 18 years... we go to Franks Diner every time we visit friends in Kenosha. Food is always amazing. Breakfast, lunch, breakfast specials, lunch specials. You will be hard pressed to find something that isn't 100% delicious. Service was great. We were there on a December morning with a "regular". He was treated like a king and we were as well. Franks Diner is not huge but it is always clean. I need to add, the people dining near us that day were so nice! It was such a nice meal. I can't wait to get back. read more

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You've seen them on DIners and Dives. Its both of those. I mean that in a good way. Absolutely nothing creative on the menu - just the basics. The rail car makes for a fun experience but you run out of elbow room fast. You might have trouble if you suffer from claustrophobia =) Staff keeps the orders coming up fast and with a good attitude. read more

Franks Diner - Diners Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

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I stopped in during the lunch rush recently for a bowl of chili and some fries. The diner has a nostalgic vibe and the wait staff were knowledgeable and friendly. I was served quickly and enjoyed the bowl of house chili. Just enough heat to enjoy the melding of the other spices. The fries were crispy and paired nicely with the chili course. I recommend ordering the chili with a layer of cheddar cheese on top. I had meetings that afternoon and passed on adding onions. Despite my timing, I was in and out of the diner in about an hour. A truly retro lunch that was worth the drive to me. read more

Franks Diner - My chili and fries. Old-school chili and crispy fries made for a great lunch. - Diners Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

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This place is a treasure. You can tell it's been around for a long time, very nostalgic ambiance. Food is simply amazing. Shout out to Franks' Famous Garbage Plate and the irresistible homemade bread. Can't wait to go back next time I'm in town. read more

An amazing cute diner in a cute little harbor town in Kenosha. The people were amazing, food was phenomenal. Outdoor seating, small but worth the wait if you have to wait. My husband got the half garbage and I got the homemade biscuits and gravy. We highly recommend both! The best Bloody Mary ever from my husband and the biggest mimosa I've ever had. Definitely worth the stop. Workers were fun and they played good music. Good vibes read more

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Food was amazing!! Staff was so fun and nice! They joked around so much. Vibe is so fun! Music is loud but that's part of the vibe! It's definitely one of the places you just have to go to! As a tourist excellent stop and experience with great food! read more

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The chili is great, the toast is made from homemade bread and YUMMY. Sausage patty was homemade and savory. The servers work as a team, everybody helps refill coffee, take orders, etc. very friendly. read more

Franks Diner - Chili Cheddar Omelette - Diners Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

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Maxwell provided us excellent service! My coffee cup was never empty. Food was hot and delicious as usual...just look at the pics! I've always loved the diner car ambiance of Frank's and am glad it has never changed after all this time. If you're in Kenosha, you must eat here. read more

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Tried a new place, for us, that is. Frank's Diner, opened in 1926. It wasn't what I expected, but pleasantly surprised. Delicious food, friendly people, great menu options.. all reasonably priced. We will definitely be back. read more

Franks Diner - Just by looking at the building, it's had to believe that it is an old train car with a building built around it. - Diners Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

First time I visited in about 9 years. I've probably been there half a dozen times or more. I love their food, but also their snark and their sarcasm. And it's not a building, it's just a little train car with maybe 6 tables and about 15-20 counter stools. Adds to the atmosphere with the tight quarters. I ordered the full garbage plate (what else?!), which includes 5 eggs, potatoes, peppers, and onion, plus I added with bacon, sausage, jalapeños, cheddar, and mozzarella cheese. And of course, the homemade toast, made with yogurt, bran, and honey. And if I'm guessing, they only spread about 2 sticks of softened butter on the two slices. It was like getting a bagel in New York City and they put two inches worth of cream cheese in between. This time I drank iced tea (one free refill), and I wasn't taking chances on the OJ. Gosh, it felt good to be back at one of the best breakfast joints in this country! read more

This was part of our Triple D tour. I got the garbage plate and it was delicious! Neat little nostalgic place with history. Service was great. A true diner! read more

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First great bread! Next we had French toast and chili cheese omelette there are enough pictures of the garbage plates that we decided to try something else and post. The place is very cool and very clean look at the wood ceiling. Food was very good would become a regular if we lived here. Great staff too! read more

Franks Diner - Homemade bread French toast and sausage patty. Can just see the chili cheese omelette hash browns and homemade toast in back. - Diners Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

2nd time at Franks!! This establishment has been serving up hot plates of diner delectables since 1927. Even at 8am be prepared to wait to eat either at the counter or at a booth on this old train car. Famous for their garbage plates, homemade toast and pancakes, every person that walks out leaves with a to-go container. No frills but entertaining staff, they know that what they serve up is going to satisfy the tastebuds and they are confident in that. Celebrating almost 100 years, celebrities and note worthy individuals have graced this little diner for decades. Worth the drive as we decided to take the hour and a half ride from Chicago on a whim, just because it's that good and what else should you be doing on a Sunday besides eating the best breakfast ever!! read more

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Had to wait about 20 minutes on a Sunday for a counter spot for 2 but it was well worth it. The mimosas are HUGE, the coffee is strong, and the garbage plates are a feat. The woman at the griddle was slanging piles of eggs, potatoes and cheese with ease and precision and the servers were all so genuine. Perfect diner environment with hilarious signs and kitschy stuff all over. Lived up to the hype and exceeded expectations. We will be back! read more

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The food is so my better than what you can find at any other diner. The staff are so friendly and real--no pretenses here. My family loves coming to this place. Support this locally-owned business. read more

A home run every time. The absolute best coffee I've ever had. Food is amazing service is great. A real old time nostalgic railroad car dinner. read more

Franks diner was awesome and such a fun experience. We went for breakfast there was a 40 min wait on a Saturday morning so we walked part of the farmers market which was a perfect spot and just enough time. I had their Bloody Mary and veggie omelette w a side of bacon and we split a cinnamon roll. I recommend all of it. The booths on the train car are comfy and it's just a fun restaurant setting. Staff were fun and attentive. I'd give 10 stars. Highly recommend read more

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The person answering the phone was absolutely rude sounded like he hated his job, disgusting

Finally made it here. A bit of a wait for seats at the bar on a Saturday morning but no big deal. The place is tiny, loud and has a lively staff. Good food takes a while to make so be prepared for a little wait time. Garbage plate very good with so much you can take home leftovers for the next day. read more

The food was delicious with large portions. It is definitely a dinner with an ole school feel to it. The dinner is connect to an old train cart which is awesome. The staff is very laid back. Upon entering , you're greeted by the owner as you give him your party name and seated into one of the booth cart. Very fun place ! How fun ? The bell rang and everyone in the dinner did tequila shot. read more

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Yesterday morning we were getting the Franks Diner experience in Kenosha. Trust and believe, it was all that I heard it to be. Food was delicious and totally worth the "weight" wait. It's so amazing that this is a vintage train car. Franks opened in 1926. Will definitely be going back! read more

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Was hungry for anything to eat on a Friday afternoon, just before closing. I'm in the Kenosha area, and I'm like, ooooh, Frank's Diner, for which I've been trying to get in for years. All the hype is real, the food is good and I personally love the atmosphere. Waitresses are great and are on the move the entire time I was here. Very friendly and attentive. Great lighting inside. There's 30 feet of counter seating and 10 tables. Small it is, but worthwhile. There's no wheelchair access. They do reservations of 6 or more within 24 hours. If you like to sleep in, forget about it. There will be a line out the door sometimes with a 45-minute or more wait. So get there early. The plates I witnessed being waitressed around were huge, and I was already scared for my plate. I ordered the cinnamon French toast and good lord, it was so good, I finished it off. Look at the picture, and you will see. Perfection and ungodly delicious. Lol I also ordered the Stuffer omlette with the house bread. I should have known it would be a huge plate of goodness. Though too full from French toast, I was able to eat a little and take the rest home. It was delicious, too. Not like other restaurants that are over cooking their omelets. It came with hashbrowns, for which I forgot to tell them with onions and well done. Add your condiments and spices, and you'll be fine. My overall experience is a 10, and there's nothing I can say negative about the service, atmosphere, or food. In the words of the Terminator.... I'll be back read more

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The place is a vibe! I ate the pumpkin pancake before it was gone for the season. So yummy. Only order one. It's the size of the plate and is so fluffy! Husband and daughter both got half garbage plates. Soooo goood! ( of course I had to take a few bites of the hubs bfast.) It's sooo good! Daughter got spinach and tomato added and Hubby asked for no meat. (So his was 3eggs, hash browns, onion and green pepper) I wish I took a picture. Been coming here for years and years and this was the best yet! If I was gonna hang out and day drink, or walk the area, I would have had one of the Toquilla shots they so graciously offered the entire restaurant. They play the Toquilla song and everyone in the restaurant does a shot at the same time. The vibe is so fun! "Eat, pay your bill and leave" said with a smile and laughter via megaphone! Love this place! read more

Quite literally one of the most fun experiences I've ever had in a diner! Our server Devon at a personality that personality that was on point. We waited to get in but it was more than worth it. If you want a traditional old school diner and the best food you've ever had this is worth a stop. Make sure you get there homemade hash browns on top of everything else you want. Side note... the cocktails are delicious as well. Whenever I come back in town I'll absolutely make this a go to spot. read more

Franks diner is definitely one to remember. The diner is super old school and you can tell there is a lot of history in the place. The place is small and the food is good so expect a wait. They are known for their breakfast garbage plates and their homemade toast. I ordered the half garbage plate and the portion was still pretty big, food was delicious definitely couldn't finish it so I had leftovers for the next day. The homemade toast was probably the best toast I ever had and I would come back just for that if I could. Definitely recommend if you want a real diner experience. read more

Franks Diner - Garbage plate - Diners Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

First time dining at this establishment. Popped into Franks' Diner as a recommendation of another local business (Blak Coffee). Let me start by saying this spot is small but mighty (very imitate setting. I was greeted by a few ladies by the name of Julie & Sandy (I believe) who was extremely polite and helped me to navigate the menu to accommodate my eating restrictions she helped me to customize a vegetarian bowl which I appreciated. The menu has a large selection of breakfast and diner delights. read more

Franks Diner - Veggie Hashbrown + Pancakes - Diners Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

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Franks was so delicious! We've been waiting for years to come here and we finally made it! We got up early and still had to wait about an hour and we ended up at the bar! What an experience! Other than being incredibly hot for the hour we were sitting at the counter, it was perfect. We had a bloody mary while we waited and we were entertained by the staff while they took orders, made breakfast, etc. The food was the best. We LOVED our food...the cinnamon roll was the best one we have ever had. I would eat that every day for the rest of my life! We each had our own garbage plate, filled with our favorites. It was the best breakfast! I cannot wait to go back. It's worth the wait...and you definitely want to sit at the bar! read more

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Shut up and go... just go. Amazing service, food and a genuine piece of history. French Toast. Ever tasted so good. The Garbage Platter... flavors just "pop". How?? The Cinnamon Roll is beyond words. read more

The food is substantial and tasty. I had the Garbage Plate with corned beef hash. Prepare your belly! The place itself is loud, grungy, and friendly. It's a classic, film noir style true diner. Seating is a bit tight and I can't recommend the trip downstairs to the tiny bathroom but I love this place. Best service we've ever had. read more

Franks Diner - Garbage Plate - Diners Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

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Always a friendly diner and great breakfast selection...been coming here for years. What a diner should be.

Classic old school diner, amazing homemade bread, excellent service, priced right and the food is just stellar. Cam here for breakfast after reading some reviews and so glad we did! The menu is simple but well executed, and I love how much they talk about the bread. How good it is, and how they recommend it with everything. I am a corned beef and hash guy so I had to go with the garbage plate with corned beef and hash. SO GOOD. SO MUCH FOOD. THAT BREAD! I also got to try the biscuits and gravy as well, very tasty with lots of good sausage bits. The coffee kept flowing and our server was so attentive. I do love the funny and sarcastic signs on the wall. Kitchy and self aware but still fun! Absolute gem of a breakfast spot. read more

Franks Diner - Diners Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

Drove here last Monday from the NW Chicago burbs because we wanted greasy spoon hot biscuits and gravy. Our expectations were managed with signs noting waits times and accepting cash only due to a nationwide POS outage. The biscuits and gravy, corned beef hash, and the homemade toast were really good, and great portions for the price. The place was jammin' and had a chaotic vibe, but service was good. read more

Great food. Joan and I got 1/2 Garbage Plates. Food came out quickly with homemade bread. We were full all day! Love you Franks! read more

Best service food and menu! Tequila shots! Don't miss out on this place! Chatting with cooks, learning how to read "btw the door says slide"! Absolutely can't beat this experience. Not your typically place and that's what makes it perfect! Stop by laugh and eat! read more

Franks Diner - Diners Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

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Always a charm. Servers are fun and service is great. They pay attention and they are always on their game. Food is always great. Haven't had a bad item from the menu. 10/10. Atmosphere is awesome. read more

Rare atmosphere... amazing aesthetics as a train car turned into restaurant in 1926.... Staff were busy and still very kind... excellent food... we will go back next t time we're in Kenosha read more

Famous for its garbage plate, and being in Kenosha downtown for almost 100 years (opened back in 1926), Frank's Diner is definitely a great place and a home place for a lot of people. As someone who moved just to Kenosha last year, we have been trying to get in for a long time. The space is small, I mean very small, it is an old food truck/railcar kinda style, there are bar area and booth area. Expect a wait if you come on weekends. (As the sign in the diner says, the inner deco was legit haha) We came in Tuesday around noon and were able to sit right away at the bar, right opposite the stove and grill lol. It was quite a show watching the cook cook while we wait for our food, and I loved seeing it. Just a very local and family feeling. We had great food! The specials (Irish sausage and gravy, corned beef omelette) were tasty and the meat omelette was next level. The pancake is huge, and delicious for sure. The food is also priced well! Overall, nice experience, and we will come back again and hopefully also no wait next time! read more

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Great diner, I've only had the oatmeal which is great. The garbage plates look really good but even the half garbage plate is to much food for me. Service is quick and friendly. read more