We found in Frank's the breakfast place we've been longing for since leaving Champaign in 2007. Don't get me wrong - I love me some fancy brunch. I love foofy champagne drinks, big plates of delicious food, and bottomless cups of fantastic coffee. But there's a special place in my heart - and, by extension, my arteries - for a place like Frank's. You see, most Saturdays I just want to roll out of bed, have a cup of coffee, and eat something solid. Some Saturdays I might be hung over and in need of a greasy breakfast. Some Saturdays I want to linger over a cup of coffee and work on the crossword. Frank's gives me all of these options. Frank's also offers the best damned diner French toast - which is an entirely different animal than the stuff at Zingerman's or Beezy's - we've had in a long time. Seriously, this toast is a magical concoction, filled with rainbows and fairy dust - er, a magical concoction involving what appears to be pancake batter for extra deliciousness. I can also vouch for the tastiness of their omelettes, though let's just not talk about the coffee. It's what you'd expect from a diner. We debated sneaking in coffee from Comet, but thought better of it at the last minute. If you want a tasty breakfast served by nice folks, Frank's is your place. If you want a fancy breakfast served by fancy people who may or may not be nice, or who may charge you $10 for bacon, eggs, and toast, there are lots of other options nearby. read more

Frank's is amazing. The cook however, is not Frank. He is Pete. And he works every day. You heard me. He works every day that they are open. I think he's only ever had one vacation. Since he's there every day, you know that breakfast he's grillin' must be top notch. And it is. I go here whenever I want to pig out on breakfast. This is diner dinin' at its best. Sure, it's greasy. This ain't no organic Amish chicken farm breakfast. This breakfast tastes like it's bad for you, and you'll love it. Don't forget the hash browns, they are a must-add, and the bacon is always crispy and flavorful. It's breakfast Cheers, the regulars have their names clumsily engraved on the bar stools, which is the best place to pop a meal. Word of caution: Pete hates laptops. Don't bust in with one or he will heckle you. I've seen it happen. read more

Not gonna lie, I came here with a group of six friends after going to Angelo's, Afternoon Delight, and calling Cafe Zola. When one of the girl's originally suggested Frank's, no one knew what or where it was so we just kept going through suggestions. Finally after half an hour of trying other places, we gave in and came to Frank's. I'm SO glad we did. It was this small place tucked between a bike shop and an Indian restaurant, had a definite greasy smell when we walked in, and the cushioned bench seats were really bouncy and weird. Still, we were starving and there was no wait (and it was Sunday at 11:30am) so we ordered. I got a plate of blueberry chocolate chip pancakes (that's right, both blueberries AND chocolate chips, for the price of one) and a grilled cheese and tomato sandwich. Three of my friends got the farmer's omelette. Around 15 minutes after we put in the six orders, we were all eating. My first thought when I saw the pancakes was "there are no chocolate chips in here, they're just piled on top/in between the pancakes", but did that make them any less delicious? Nope. They were soft, warm, chewy, and full of flavor. They give you a short stack of three medium size (10 inch diameter) pancakes per order, so it was filling for sure. I didn't even use syrup. The grilled cheese was good, it had pickles on the side which was a major plus for me, and it was only $3 which was a huge plus. My friends all really enjoyed the farmer's omelette and we came out happy for sure. $12 after tip for a really delicious, filling, breakfast :) and we all food coma-ed happily ever after. read more

Frank's Restaurant - Blueberry chocolate chip pancakes + grilled cheese with tomato :) both delicious - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Frank's is an excellent choice for a no-frills, tasty diner breakfast. The place gets busy, so be prepared for a wait before getting seated. The food also takes a little time to be prepared (min. 10 minutes), at least by diner standards. All this aside, the food is delicious, and the service warm. I devoured my *massive* farmers omelette, which included onions, peppers, ham, and hashbrowns. The eggs were perfectly cooked, and no one ingredient dominated. The biggest tables are only for 4, so I'd avoid coming here with a big party. But if a quick breakfast or lunch with a friend is what you're looking for, Frank's is a good choice. read more

Caters to college kids. Cheap terrible overcooked food, and they don't staff enough servers so they make mistakes like overcharging you for your breakfast. I also waited about 45 minutes for my meal. Left starving because the food was so bad. read more

The coziest breakfast place I've ever known. They keep some odd hours -- that's how you know they're serious. Many a cold winter morning was spent there over a sauage&egg breakfast or hot turkey plate and steaming cup of coffee. Their coffee always had a slightly sweet, toasted punch to it -- not burnt, kind of crunchy like cereal. Hard to explain. This is where I was on the morning of 9/11. I heard no TVs, no radios, just Paula passing the news onto Pete, "I heard there was a big plane crash at the White House." I finished my breakfast in peace, oblivious to the gravity of the situation until I paid my bill and went to my morning class, which I found was canceled. Maybe that's why Frank's always felt like safety to me. read more

The Yelp reviews for this place were very accurate. Thanks, guys! LOVE the atmosphere. Tiny little booths with linoleum tabletops, old photos on the wall, a diner counter. Our waitress was nice, cheerful, and attentive, offering to refill our coffee on several occasions. We went on a weekday, so it wasn't that crowded, but the food definitely came quickly. I had eggs, toast and hash browns. The eggs and toast were buttery and delicious. The hash browns were a tad too greasy for me, but my girlfriend ate them all. The coffee was good (and free refills!). The prices were GREAT. I'm so used to paying a ton of money to ever eat out in Ann Arbor, and we both had a full meal for $15. I'm a fan of that. I'll definitely be bringing my dad here when he visits. read more

I had a great experience eating at Frank's today! Our waitress Paula was the best! She was super friendly, attentive, and offered suggestions of what was popular with other customers. She told us how amazing the french toast was. I never order french toast, but I had to try it and let me tell you, it was DELICIOUS. I also ordered a veggie omelette which was great! I was so impressed. It was hearty and chock full of cheese and veggies. Way better than Benny's. What a great old school breakfast place. However, I would suggest remodeling the decor inside. I love the old school look and school spirit design Frank's has, but some of the seating is very old and worn out. I think more people would be drawn in with a little extra effort and maybe more Michigan pictures that fill up the walls. But overall, I had a great brunch! read more

Great diner, great service, great breakfast. Think that says it all. Have to admit that I got their "famous french toast," and was not super impressed. I do like thicker slices though, and these were average thickness. Definitely would go back, especially to catch up with a friend like I did. read more

Frank's is the unassuming breakfast nook located next to Cafe Ambrosia. It serves simple breakfasts that are cooked to perfection. The decor doesnt seem to have changed too much through the years and the place is filled with nostalgic pictures of the restaurant and some old travels. The wait staff is friendly and easy going. The food is where this place shines though. The menu is mostly diner staples highlighting their famous french toast ( which is very good. I havent had a bad meal on here yet, and I fully recomennd any of their omelets with feta cheese. My favorite part of the meal though involves asking for hot sauce. They bring you a large (about 8 in tall) bottle of Franks Red Hot. Any place that gives me this much hot sauce will win me over. Check this place out for a good weekday breakfast before your day. read more

Ever wondered if you could find a place like Cheers where everyone seems to know your name? Wouldn't YOU like to get away? I found myself in Ann Arbor and looking for a quick breakfast spot, my friends recommended I wander up to Frank's. After entering, what immediately struck me is how this place probably hasn't changed in 30 years. The waitress, a lady who looks like she knows all the regulars, welcomes me with a big smile and a cup of joe and proceeds to service everyone who comes in as if she's known them for years. She calls them by first name, asks about their jobs, grandkids, and it's also clear that I have brought the average age of this place down by a few years. I wolf down a plate of the famed french toast (soft, light and tasty), along with a side of bacon and some hash browns. By the end of my meal, I'm satisfied and raring to jump back into the 20 degree weather outside. $9 for all that food and drink, which reminds me that this is a nice small town that doesn't need to gouge the average 20-something. Next time you're in town and looking for a calm breakfast place, make Frank's your destination! read more

Ordered 2 combos on the phone, the female who works there heard 3. Charged me for all 3 when I got in, even though it was her fault. Be sure to clarify your order if you're on the phone.. or even if you're in person. These people do not take responsibility for their own mistakes. read more

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Where can I even begin when describing my experience at Franks!! During college this was my go to breakfast spot. I brought friends and family to franks over the years and had an amazing experience every time. Paula, such an amazing lady! She will make you feel right at home when you're at Franks. I typically would get a western omelette with an order of French toast. Do not skip the French toast. I now live thousands of miles away and frequently think about Pete's French toast at franks. The food is amazing and the staff is just as amazing. read more

Frank's Restaurant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

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Sometimes I don't want fancypants. Sometimes I want a quick greasy breakfast and bottomless cups of diner coffee (the gastronomic equivalent to rolling out of bed, yawning and having breakfast suddenly appear). Eggs are cooked just like I want 'em, toast and/or taters burned if I ask...this place's homey old-school vibe hovers in the air like a thick cloud of cigarette fog. I like the prompt service (my mug is never less than half full of java) and that the man behind the grill can still flip a flapjack as fast as anyone else in town, despite his years. read more

Franks is America's Greasy Spoon complete with the single line chef and the cheerful waitresses, it's just missing the pickles and cole slaw. The first few visits, I was enjoying the high of such a strong discovery. The more I visited, the more I realized, where the hell is my food? I'm all for a relaxed Saturday morning breakfast, but when it gets to a 40 minute wait, call in reinforcements Frank. The food is good, but I want more, more more. Breakfast Rankings of Ann Arbor: 1. Cloverleaf 2. Frank's 3. Broken Egg 4. Afternoon Delight 5. Angelo's (haven't been to Northside Grill, but heard good things) read more

Let me preface this by saying I love greasy spoons. The greasier the better - literally and figuratively. Frank's definitely has the look. It's straight out of 1979 and definitely looks divey. I don't care about that - just bring on the food!! But sadly, the food was no good. I have the Western Omelette and it seems like a popular item, since I overheard others order the same thing. It was pretty bland and uninspired, and their menu didn't have anything special or creative on it. The service was good, but the restaurant was so empty I would have been surprised if it wasn't. I was also annoyed that someone said they yell at you if you use your laptop - I was too nervous to try it, but it seems like they would want people to come and work there. I pretty much just sat by myself playing words with friends and feeling stupid. Basically, this place is cheap enough that you could stop in by yourself and get a fairly filling breakfast and not be disappointed. But don't plan on bringing friends or parents here to experience Ann Arbor's brunch culture - there are just too many other good places to make it worth it. read more

Been in Ann Arbor for ten years now, walked past this place many times, today, I finally decided to give them a try. Basically your typical diner, I tried the steak and eggs with some toast they were decent can not complain for the price. I was a little disappointed by the lack of choices for the drink menu, but overall I would come back to try their pancakes. The service was good no complaints there. read more

I really like Frank's. The run-down, lived-in atmosphere. The sense that there's a community surrounding the place. Pete, with his thick accent, all grilling up breakfast back there. The food is hit-or-miss, and can be a bit oily. The place, though, has so much threadbare charm, you want to keep coming back. I've never been on a weekend, I mostly slip in with a few friends after a morning class. read more

Frank's a pretty standard diner. There's nothing amazing about what they do or serve, but I still love it and hope it stays for a long time to come. It's a family run joint and the cook has been there for ages. It's very homey and nice inside, with a real late 70s early 80s feel about it. This is one of the few havens in the campus area of Ann Arbor away from the kiddie stores, bars and bar food, and parking garages. It's worth finding and worth keeping alive as a more original component of the town. Cool tip: use the restroom downstairs. It's like something out of a slasher flick! I love it. read more

My girlfriend moved to Ann Arbor 40 years ago and this year we are going to visit all the bars and restaurants that have been in the Ann Arbor/Ypsi area that long. Franks is a great little hole in the wall, greasy spoon, restaurant at the end of Nichol's Arcade. We went on a Sunday Morning. There was no wait and got a window table. She had the French Toast and I had corned beef hash. Both were excellent. The service was excellent, my coffee never got below about a half. On a Sunday morning it was families fresh from church and single students looking for a hearty breakfast after a late night. I'm not sure whether the people passing outside were more interesting than my fellow diners. One of the best parts of the meal is when you get your check and find it to be about half of what you might spend at one of those places where you would still be waiting on line to get seated. On top of that the cashier was a young man (read boy) who as so polite and efficient every restaurant should have one. See you there. read more

frank's is great! i love that there is a place within walking distance that you can sit down to hot food that fills you up without emptying your wallet. the french toast is delicious and corned beef hash is not too salty (unlike many many other places. [but it is the more mashed kind and not the chunkier kind, if that affects your opinion.]) the boyf liked the coffee but it was too strong for me. extra cream helped with that. service is always good, even if it's a little slow when it's busy. anyway, it's just your typical diner fare but without the hype and without the frills. and that's why i like it. read more

I love this little hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Stepping into Frank's feels like stepping back in time -- lots of old school charm with black and white photographs/newspaper articles on the wall. I hadn't ever heard of this place until I went to lunch with my step-mom and her friend (both UMich alum). It seems Frank's was more popular back in the day than it is nowadays. This is standard breakfast and lunch fare. It isn't fancy. Meals are not served particularly fast. Some of the waitresses have probably been working there since Frank's first opened. BUT. It is cheap. It is centrally located right between Liberty and E. William St near the parking ramp. It has a nice, laid-back, no-stress atmosphere. And most importantly (to me, at least)...they make some damn good french toast. read more

They serve breakfast all day. French toast and hash brows are amazing: 5/5. Western omelette: 3/5. I've had better. Service was great. However, the place is really small and seating was uncomfortable for 2 people. Very cheap prices. read more

4 stars for the food and price, but 3.5 after taking service into account. Frank's is traditional American diner that is quietly tucked away beside the car park across nickel's arcade. It serves predominantly breakfast food. The French toast there is second to none. Sprinkled generously with cinnamon and sugar, the French toast is extremely soft on the inside with a slight crisp on the outside. Every time I've ordered it, it was cooked to perfection. There are various options available, from a half order to a full order of French toast, a side of bacon or sausage etc. However, this is one place you shouldn't come to if you want a quick bite. Service is often very slow.. So come for the food, not so much the service. read more

Fantastic breakfast spot. One of the best places in Ann Arbor. Omelets are huge and their French Toast is the best I've ever had. Highly recommend read more

A little gem! I worked at Decker Drugs on State Street before it closed in '03, and on Thursdays the Decker crew would order takeout from Frank's, and run down the alley and across Maynard to pick it up. My favorite was always the French toast with bacon on the side. Pete, we miss you! A wonderful, delicious treat, especially on weekday mornings! Many, many two-person booths and little Greek treats ... check it out right now. But be careful you don't get stuck in the front doors! read more

Frank's has delicious food and very hospitable staff. Blue (Lindsey) was very nice and I would recommend you ask for her when you come here to eat. Next time I'm in town I'll be sure to stop here! read more

Self-proclaimed as a greasy spoon, Franks is just that. In all the time I have lived in Ann Arbor, I never went into Franks. But, over time I had also heard co-workers talk about how you can get a quick and easy meal at Franks. I know other people have said Pete is unfriendly, but he said hello to us and was rather pleasant. After being seated, Paula came by and took our orders. She was great and attentive. We got the grilled cheese and the hamburger. It's a pretty standard greasy spoon fare. Plus, it was lunch time and for once, I didn't feel like brunch or breakfast food. The burger was good, but again, your standard burger and nothing to write home about. The upside? A cheap meal that doesn't take too much time (we only waited 10 minutes for our food). The downside? The atmosphere isn't what you come here for. You come in expecting a greasy spoon that's a bit divey, and you won't be disappointed. read more

Great food! Had a giant omelette. Hash browns are also super delicious. If you can finish your meal, you're a super eater. Melissa is great as well. read more

The Club House Sandwich is always a solid pick... maybe ask to go lighter on the mayo though! read more

Frank's Restaurant - Club House w/fries - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

A good greasy spoon. Lots of character. Decent coffee. Good food. Friendly service.

Found this Gem using Yelp. It was wonderful and will be a regular stop. Thanks Sharon for being so wonderful as we celebrated Life.

We love this place. Best greasy spoon in Ann Arbor, a true gem. This is my boyfriend and my favorite breakfast date spot, good hospitality and cozy. read more

Frank's Restaurant - Adding this to my prior review :) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Little hole in the wall right across from the Maynard Parking lot. Definitely a divey spot that dices up some pretty decent breakfast incredibly cheaply. In my opinion, I would stick to the basics and not try to complicate things (eggs, pancakes and hashbrowns are my go toos) Also, I would avoid lunch because my friends weren't too thrilled with their turkey club or gyro. Despite the food being some what average, it is does have it's own charm. The waitstaff is incredibly sweet and it is definitely a spot for locals where they know your name and exactly your order. Although it does not compare to Angelo's, Benny's, Broken Egg and or any other breakfast haven in AA, it will definitely satisfy your breakfast needs with some good laughs included. read more

I love Franks. Classic greasy spoon- sit at the counter and watch them cook everything on the griddle! Comfortable and cozy, perfect place for breakfast. Omelettes are huge and French toast is to die for- lots of cinnamon sugar on top! Toast comes toasted to perfection with butter melted on top. Coffee is always hot and fresh. Service makes you feel at home. A staple in Ann Arbor. read more

Frank's Restaurant - Hash browns, eggs, sausage, toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Came here on a Sunday morning and the place wasn't too crowded or too empty. The staff are very friendly and will always recommend the French toast! This place is perfect for a solo or couple's breakfast​ and is a great way to start the day. read more

Greek omelet is highly recommended. Food isn't fancy but it is hot and cooked in front of you. Belly up to the counter and watch Pete cook his heart out! Jeremy always has a welcoming smile! It would be easy to walk down Maynard and not see Frank's but it is such a great spot, one shouldn't pass by! There aren't enough low-key, locally owned, diner type places in Ann Arbor where you can go and feel like you are known and welcome, Frank's definitely has the welcoming vibe. read more

"What is Frank's?" I'm often asked. "Where is it? O, that place next to the Indian restaurant?? I've walked by it a million times but never been. How is it?" At this point, I too have walked by Frank's a million times, but it feels like I've been there two million. And the reason for this is the feel, energy, and experience of the place keeps bringing me back over and over and over again. The quality of the food, presentation, and service is consistently consistent in an exclusively Frank's sort of way. The first million times I went I got the coffee, French toast with a side of bacon, and the hash browns. I would lather the French toast with butter, drown it in syrup, and only regret it all two hours later when my body forced me to take a nap. In modern times I get the coffee and the Greek omelet with a side of hash browns and am never disappointed because it's always the same large amount of fine tasting food. If you need coffee, Paula or a different waitress that has been working there for years will bring you some and then head off to fill up the next cup. And what this brings to Frank's is the atmosphere of a home away from home. You walk in and the ceiling awning is layered with Van Gogh prints next to deflated balls of all sports. In the past year they acquired a Mortal Kombat arcade machine and stuck it in the corner. Has it ever been played since it arrived? I can't imagine so. Clive Owen once sat at the table along the window when he was recording the movie Trust, a seat that I've sat at countless times before coming upon this fact. On the weekends Alexander the Great is working the till and it's a treat just to talk with him and catch up on the innocence of childhood. I once sat alone and one of the waitresses was sensitive and funny and kind enough to draw Wilson, from Castaway, on a paper towel to sit with me. During one of my seminal visits, my friend and I somehow got in our heads that they promise four pieces of French toast on their menu but recognized that they only deliver two, as in two full pieces of bread sliced diagonally. I brought this up to my waitress and she pointed out that the menu didn't in fact promise anything along those lines, leaving my friend and I feeling rather dumb. But low and behold, just because of what it represented and the hilarity of it, she brought out four/eight pieces of French toast. Who does that?? Who makes you feel like a member of a community just because it's something that they enjoy doing? Frank's is and always will be my favorite restaurant in town. There is nowhere else that promises me the same experience each and every time I dine. And for that I love it. read more

Frank's Restaurant - Wilson - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Frank's is not a greasy spoon- it's a big bucket of grease you basically are forced to bathe in as soon as you walk inside. My partner's corned beef hash appeared to be a processed patty that came straight out of a can of spam and it tasted meh at best. But, get this, it was a recommended item on the menu. It definitely didn't look appetizing. My french toast was okay, but unnecessarily greasy. I ordered my eggs over medium, and they came out rubbery and over easy- I think for a place that banks on breakfast business to get eggs wrong is... pretty lame. The wheat toast I ordered with my meal was so greasy and buttery it was unedible. In fact, when I finished eating there was this overwhelming aftertaste of grease in my mouth. Neither of us could finish our meals, which is unusual because breakfast is our favorite meal and we're really not that picky. Also, the coffee was bad. And there was duct tape holding my seat cushion together. So, you ask, why am I giving this place two stars? I don't have the heart to give it one because the service was excellent, our waitress was on the ball and very kind and never, ever let our coffee cups go even half empty. As soon as we walked in she said hello. She was great, and for that reason alone Franks gets two stars. read more

I usually go to Mr. Greeks for my good old-fashioned breakfast foods. Eggs, toast, pancakes, bacon, french toast, hash browns, V8...well in one sitting I tried all these things at Franks and they were all quite good. Amazingly I managed to finish everything (my stomach didn't agree with that behavior though). Very good and plentiful and hearty and like home-cooked and the whole shebang was $10+tip. The service was so friendly and prompt that I tipped $4. Mr. Greeks has better hours for me since this place closes at 3:00pm. But it is conveniently next to Cafe Ambrosia for a bite to eat before, after, or during study. read more