Went here on Sunday and the food was awesome to me- people talk about fries not being home made but they are busy and they tasted great to me in my poutine / the classic burger was delicious! Gave a bbq vibe I added my condiments but the veggies were fresh on it and the burger was home made! My son loved his chicken fingers and my other dinner companion enjoyed his meatloaf meal- our waitstaff was awesome- very cool personality and attentive!! Will be back! read more

Comfy booths, good service, reasonable prices, good food but not excellent - small portions spoiled it.

A lot of better places in the area. Wouldn't really recommend it the food was mediocre at best.

Love this place. Casual and great food at a very reasonable price. Staff is excellent. Great breakfasts too!

It took living in Halifax for over 8 years to try Kempsters. And, the only reason I went was because a friend wanted to go (and she said they had good burgers!) My first thought when walking into Kempsters was "dated" - but it didn't take long for me to adjust and realize it's part of the charm. Our server was fantastic. Super friendly. The service itself though, slow. At no fault of hers, I would blame it on the kitchen. I went again, and took my SO with me, the service was the same; friendly but slow. However, my friend was right, their burgers are good. Not processed, you can tell they're "homemade". I would go back again! read more

Sometimes you want a restaurant with plain old down-home cookin' and absolutely no pretense, and Kempster's is exactly that. This past Thanksgiving weekend, I decided that, even though I had been too busy/lazy to cook my own turkey dinner, I was hankering for a taste of delicious turkey. Kempster's was the perfect place to go: I had a great big Thanksgiving special with mashed potatoes, dressing, vegetables, turkey and gravy - plus pie and a drink for under 20 dollars. It's the kind of place my mother always enjoyed because the food was straightforward with no surprises - burgers, sandwiches, seafood platters - although Kempster's does offer a few "exotic" items like their quesadilla (which I've never tried). Service is friendly if functional, and I should note that they make the most amazing coconut cream pie ever. Also, wheelchair accessible, and very senior-friendly. read more

Kempster's Cookhouse & Eatery - the front of the restaurant - Diners Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

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A Restaurant that you can relax in and know you are getting a good meal. I know the weekends draw a crowd for the breakfast, we were there for lunch. Considering all the other restaurants that will cost you the same to eat in, but are not home made. This is the place to take the mom and pop, you get a great meal for the value and it is clean. Good Gravy! read more

Kempster's Cookhouse & Eatery - the sign - Diners Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

Good Old family restaurant that will not leave you feeling broke. Nothing over the top for decor , booths that line down the middle and on the sides. Very clean bathrooms which tells you alot about a place when you can walk in and do not have to hold your breath like some. Kempsters has a great variety for mean. Normally when I go I order the clubhouse with fries and gravy.YUMM! Ike other has mention in their reviews this is like you are cooking at home, great food. With tip, pop and my meal it came to $15 and that is good considering up the street at you know where you are paying just under $10 for a pressed hamburger. Take the family there and enjoy a night out.. read more

Kempster's Cookhouse & Eatery - the sign - Diners Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

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I had a wretched dining experience at Kempster's. My family and I went in for the turkey dinner special and were absolutely dumbfounded by the poor quality of the food and service. The turkey itself wasn't fantastic, but the veggies served with it were rock hard and tasteless. Mashed potatoes and stuffing were bone dry and mealy. The canned cranberry sauce was pretty much the only saving grace, and even that wasn't spectacular. Our waitress, sadly, didn't have two clues to rub together; after we complained about the food, she said she'd mention it to the cooks...and didn't even offer us a discount or any sort of compensation until we asked for one. Her response was to give us a free "dessert" of freezer-burnt ice cream. A complete waste of time and money. Avoid. read more

My first experience at Kempsters was this past Friday night with my boyfriend and two sisters. We arrived about an hour before close and were one of three parties in the restaurant. We were seated right away, but it did take awhile for our server to take our drink orders and then even longer for our food orders. But, I'm happy to say the food was worth the wait. I had a regular hamburger and fries, and it was amazing and delicous. You could tell it was hand made and not just some frozen patty. My boyfriend had the mushroom swiss burger and it was just OOZING with cheesy goodness. The sisters got a quesadilla and a chicken wrap and both were pleased with both the portion sizes and the taste/quality. The service was still slow throughout our meal even though the restuarant did not fill up any further. It's definitely out of my way, but if I'm in the neighbourhhood again and starving, I know where I'll be going for dinner. read more

Kempster's is a fairly large diner in the middle of Kempt road surrounded by garages and car dealerships. Perhaps one of the least interesting parts of town (in my opinion) so the mere fact that I came here is in itself a wonder. Having walked by it numerous times on my walk to school during the bus strike, it was intriguing. In we go! Inside, it looks pretty standard for a diner. Comfortable, well-used, friendly but decent. My first time here, I got the Tex-Mex burger, which comes with a side of fries. The burger itself is topped with jack cheese, salsa and guacamole. Such a normal sounding burger but it occurred to me that I can't really think of anywhere else that has such a thing (other than Darrell's downtown). It has become my new favourite burger! Ground beef patties, filling and even the fries are above average. Because of my first eating experience, I never really get anything else when we come by... except one time I finally tried the lasagna. It was just okay... I'm sticking with the burger! The menu does offer a lot of things, as a diner usually would, but there really would be something for everyone. Vegetarian, seafood, all-day breakfast, etc. The one downside about this place is that nearly every time (but not every) we've been here, the service has been oddly slow. Well, not odd sometimes. We did come around 6pm or so one weekday afternoon and it was quite busy. Being in customer service for as long as I have, I can understand and wouldn't use that against the wait staff at all (though if it's a regular thing, it could be remedied by additional staff for the evening busy period?) but other times when it wasn't as busy but the wait time was still very long for the cheque. I'd say it's a big enough downside that it could turn away repeat visitors, even if the burger is fantastic. read more

food was below standard had a bacon & tomato sandwich which was held together with tooth picks flat on the plate tomato we're old ! Never again ! over priced terrible experience not sure if they have real cooks during Covid ! read more

We paid our first visit to Kempsters tonight. I guess the place is named after Kempt Road where it's located. It's a family-style, home cooking kind of place. The large dining room itself could be anywhere, very generic in its appearance. I visited on a Thursday around five oclock and the crowd definitely skewed to seniors and families with small children. I ordered the fishcakes and beans. The fishcakes were homemade and baked, not deep fried, which I liked, but they were super dry. The beans were tastier and definitely homemade. The serving of green tomato chow that accompanied the meal was very small. I could have done with more of that. The kids had Kraft Dinner and fries. My older daughter said that the fries were good. She eats a lot of French fries so this was a definite compliment. I tried a few and they were at the higher end of the fry scale. The service started on a very high note, super friendly and very efficient, only to drop off once we got our food. We were never asked how our food was or if we needed anything and it took foooooorever to get our bill and get out of there. I wouldn't add to my must return list, but for what it is, it was alright. And as a parent, it's nice to have a place to take kids that isn't a chain. read more

I've been to Kempster's many times over the years, and depending on what you order it can be a good experience or a bad one. I've always found the staff to be very friendly and helpful and the price is right for the food they serve. Hubby and I recently visited to try the homemade burgers and handcut fries they've been advertising lately, and they were both very good. The burgers are HUGE and tasty, and the fries (at least ours) were done to perfection. We will definitely be returning for these. As someone who doesn't drink very much and hates spending $3 for basically four ounces' worth of pop (that's about what I drink with a meal), I love that they bring you the bottle so you can take it with you! This way I get my money's worth and can enjoy my drink later on. I've been many times for breakfast; their french toast is fantastic. However, I will warn Yelpers that they overbutter their regular toast. Like, your toast is swimming in butter. A suggestion would be to ask for it on the side and butter to your preference (unless, of course, you like your toast swimming in butter; in which case carry on). read more

Kempster's is now my new favourite hang over place. Perhaps, it's because I live up the road. I would compare it to Smitty's, but it's local, so I love to support it! Last time I went, I had an omlette and I was not disappointed. Good sized breakfast, well cooked and loved every mouthful. Did not like that they served bottle soda instead of fountain, but that's just a personal preference! read more

Haven't been here in a while, so maybe things have changed. But it is what it is, home cooking. I wasn't overly happy nor was I disappointed. But if I am going to pay for a meal I usually want it to be something different than how ma and pa cook at home. But for some people, this is their thing. I guess it all depends on what you are looking for. read more

Great gluten free breakfast! Staff had lots of knowledge of gluten free, even asked how sensitive I was since due to the cooking method the sausage could be crossed contaminated (I'm celiac so I gt no sausage). They even had gluten free toast and had the fixing (butter and jam) on the side which is good because I also am allergic to dairy. My boyfriend also loves his "non-gluten free" breakfast. Everyone was friendly, pretty quick, and the price for breakfast was great. (I also had a fish cake that was gluten free and it was delicious! ) read more

Went here for the first, and hopefully last, time tonight. I ordered the eggs Benedict. It took almost an hour for the food to arrive and it was unbelievably bland and disappointing. The hollandaise sauce was tasteless and had an unappealing congealed texture. The english muffin wasn't toasted. The one star is for the wait staff who were very friendly and courteous. read more

At Kempster's, it's all about finding a few gems and sticking to them. It has one of the best clubhouse sandwiches in the city. There is a unique maple curry pasta that is highly recommended (if you like lots of onions). The coffee is better than at most restaurants. Kempster's is relaxed, casual dining with better than average service. It's spacious, clean and comfortable. Every day, there are specials like two-for-one steaks and traditional east coast fare. This evening, I noticed a recent addition of several gourmet burgers. If you are looking for home style eats and a quick, reliable choice for dinner, try Kempster's. read more

I hate to say it, but Kempsters is like a local version of a Smitty's or Denny's - they do great breakfasts, and also offer a full day menu. I'll admit that I've only been to Kempster's for breakfast - but oh, what a breakfast it was! Portions were generous and piping hot, and coffee was poured without ceasing. The kids enjoyed Kempster's too - they offer kid-sized stacks of pancakes so that the little ones can eat alongside the adults and feel as though they're getting the same deal. The Western Skillet is particularly delicious - I have a fondness for grilled mushrooms and Kempster's does them perfectly. I have to admit that Kempster's never seems particularly busy from the road, but this restaurant has been around for a while and is run by folks who've been in the food industry for decades. I'd say they know what they're doing! read more

My brother and I went for brunch at 11:00 on a weekday. I had the seafood chowder which was tasty. He had the meat loaf. He gave it 3 out of 5. I also had the Club House which was very good (real turkey not pressed) Place is always busy so they are doing something right. Our server was friendly but she wasn't very attentive which probably was not the norm. Overall only a 3. read more

Kempster's Cookhouse & Eatery - The Meatloaf - Diners Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

I'm breakfast out obsessed, especially on the weekends. It's been a ritual of ours to start our "errand" day with a diner/family style breakfast out. This place is not fancy, not trendy, and best of all not expensive. With a bazillion choices including the Newfie Breakfast - bologna, eggs, home fries & toast. My fave is still the Cookhouse Special - 2 eggs any way you like, bacon, ham or sausages, home fries & toast. My husband will occasionally go for the steak and eggs. One thing we've noticed on the few occasions we've been...lots of locals, A very good sign for a neighborhood haunt. read more

Burger week continues with an evening showing of the Nacho "Liber" as my parents called it, Nacho Libre burger at Kempsters. Never having been in before, it's a huge space without a lot of 'feel' to it. We were seated and ordered quickly without looking at the menu. 4 Nacho Libre's and two vanilla milkshakes. We were immediately informed that they "may" be out of the jalapeno poppers that go on the burger. She went to check out if that was true, and it was. Not a great start. The shakes came shortly there after and though I didn't get one, I was sad I didn't. They are served in the classic milkshake glass with the metal cup they are made in, which was a great touch (and delicious too) The burgers were up next, served on a plate where the burgers were placed to almost show that we didn't get fries with them when we could have (she did try and upsell us three times) The first bite of the burger was delicious. Like biting into a full plate of nachos. "Eight-ounce grilled Tex-Mex seasoned beef patty, with jalapeno jack cheese, salsa, sour cream, lettuce, tomato, and topped with julienned nacho chips on an artisan bun" Other than the jalapeno cheese (which was replaced with canned jalapenos) the burger didn't disappoint). All in in all a good meal, not the greatest atmosphere and I am also not a fan of the hours or the location myself. But I think I will give them another shot some time when I am looking for homestyle food. read more

Have come here several times the last year, and will give the place credit for being consistent with decent food, simple service. Nothing memorable about the place, but it's safe and I've not had a bad experience. Their Eggs Benny ($11) can have the meat substituted for spinach, which I requested. I cleaned my plate easily. It's never entirely full when I arrive for a weekday lunch, but about half. I never think of it on my own, but would go at anyone else's suggestion. read more

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Okay so let's just start this review by saying that I have never been here before so I had 0 expectations. Just wanted a Sunday hangover breakfast. The service was unbelievably slow. Maybe we just got a bad waitress, but my god. The dining room wasn't even half full and we waited for over 15 minutes just to get our starting beverages. I'm literally typing this review as I wait for my breakfast plate. At least their music playlist of 80s love ballads is on point. Over half an hour has passed since ordering and our starter comes out. It's a platter of appetizers and it's poorly constructed. The potatoes skins melted cheese with everything piled on top is just a sign of poor presentation skill. Everything is melted together in a cheesy greasy mess. The appetizers are tasty though I'll give them that! Hour and five minutes later the main courses arrive. The club is soggy from sitting for so long and my buddies burger is like it was made with a sponge for a bun. I had the Kempsters breakfast and it was a tasty meal actually. Mine came out much better than the others meals. I don't think I will come back to Kempsters, solely based on the lack of service and quality of the food. read more

I go here with work for the occasional get together, they have good food, and not all expensive. The staff here are friendly and always willng to help out with food selection. The staff are very polite, which always makes it a pleasure to come back and enjoy another meal. read more

Really!? People like it here? I have no faith in those who like this place! It's too expensive, it took too long to get our food, and it was pretty much worse than mediocre... it was horrible! The portions are a joke for $12+ read more

I have been coming here for breakfast for a long time and I love it. It has a great selection of breakfast items, generous portions and the service is always great. It is very diner like seating and decor. read more

I visited Kempsters for lunch today, the first time in many years. Now I know why. It was not at all good. I ordered the fish and chips. Firstly, the meal arrived after only a couple of minutes, making me suspicious that it was not freshly cooked. The batter on the fish was gooey. I'd substituted sweet potato fries for regular, and they were obviously frozen, because they were still hard inside, and quite tasteless, even with the mayo dip. My lunch partner had similar comments, and she had ordered the same item but with regular fries. Overall, not a good experience, and although the waitress was very pleasant, that was not enough to make me go back again. Too bad. Ruth B. read more

My friend and I try to go out for Brunch at least once every couple months to catch up. We try to go to places we havent been before and this past weekend it was Kempsters. Well we were greeted by two wonderful young ladies with big smiles. The service was amazing! I honestly left thinking these servers really enjoy what they do. We were checked in several times and there were quite a few people there. We did not feel rushed when we were done eating and continued to chat away. I was pretty simple with the breakfast just poached eggs with english muffin my eggs were not done the way I asked I am sure I could have said something but really didnt. The place was very clean... nice to see as well. Overall good enough experience that I will try again. read more

Went for brunch and had the Kempster's Skillet. It was fantastic. This was the first time I had eaten here in a few years and the quality of food and service is still excellent. If you're looking for affordable breakfast (or other restaurant classics), this is the place to check out. They have a great menu selection, specials and are licensed as well. Much lighter on the wallet compared to Cora's or Smitty's and the food is just delicious! read more

I went for the first time today for a family get together and i was excited but to my horror i had only ordered fries and they are the worst fries i had ever eaten like yuck. the only good thing was the waitress she was quite nice but i will never come back. read more

Man up and go to the Lions Head...it's only a block away. This place had a too big menu and is inexplicably busy.

Came here with a Co worker on lunch break from an offsite job. It was very homie and busy.. The place was buzzing and it was refreshing. The drinks were cold the service was great and the food was delicious... Especially the banana cream pie.. Hole... E... Smokes. . It is how I'd imagine a old-school diner that makes their own deserts in the wee hours of the morning to taste. Location is great. Parking lot is a little tight but the wait for a good quick lunch is worth it read more

Had breakfast here had the greek omelet, wss dried out, the homefries tasted odd, server was nice and helpful was only highlight

I have been to Kempsters a few times now and I have to say that the Brunch with the steak is amazing, The waitress are also by far some of the best I have come across, they are friendly and seem to know when to pop by and ask if everything is ok, they make sure your coffee is topped off and plates taken away when your done. I give this a 5 star for the great customer service as well a big kudos the the cooks for always having my steak just the way i like it. I will continue to go to this restaurant as a matter of fact just about ready to leave to go there now. read more

I decided to try Kempster's for the first time. The waiter, May, was great and courteous. Timing was good but the bbq ribs were disappointing, dry and not warm enough, definitely not freshly prepared. read more

Great food and great staff. Always quick service to get a table. Take out is even quicker, never waited past 15 mins for take out. Great burgers!! Don't let the interior decor fool you... read more

The customer service here is very good and it's a decent place to sit down and relax - nice family atmosphere; but that's about all it has going for it. You do not get your money's worth at this restaurant. The prices are too high for the quality of the food, which isn't terrible, but generally no better than something you could whip up at home in fifteen minutes. I once ordered the shrimp stir fry here and got the distinct impression no one had ordered it in months and the cook didn't know what they were doing - it wasn't seasoned at all aside from cold teriyaki sauce drizzled over it. The portion sizes are dismal; when I ordered a side of onion rings there, which you pay more for than any other side option, I got exactly eight onion rings (yes, seriously) that looked and tasted identical to the cheap, frozen McCain variety. The only menu option I feel is really good are the burgers - they're big and delicious. I have given this place a few chances, thinking the bland food and miserly portions might be a one off thing, but it was consistent every time. read more

Not such a great experience . We ordered our food, pointed out exactly what we wanted on the menu and then waited . The waitress first brought drinks to the table forgetting mine until she walked by 10 minutes later and noticed I wasn't drinking anything. When our food finally came my boyfriends meal was completely wrong he had ordered a half a chicken plate and fries and out comes a quarter chicken with half ribs and a salad ! He let her know that's not what he ordered and she said he pointed the wrong thing to her. Problem is he doesn't eat pork so there was no way he had ordered a rack of ribs. Well she said no problem took back the plate and comes back with the rack of ribs removed from the plate (the same plate she had just removed). She didn't replace the chicken that had just been sitting under the pork or even give the other quarter of chicken that was supposed to come with the meal that he ordered. Other then that the rest of our order came correct but luke warm my so called crispy bun was soggy. read more