I've been coming to Ken's Diner for breakfast every other Friday since the summer of 2013. It's as close to a classic American diner--like one transported straight from the 1970s to today--as you can get. They've added some additional flare in the back with a mural of local icons and monuments, including a tribute to local celebrity Andy Petit. One of the wildest parts is that, up until recently, you could still smoke in the restaurant. I'm about 97% sure you can't anymore. The menu is full of American classics: meatloaf, hamburgers, sandwiches, and the typical breakfast staples. My buddy Jorge and I always get the breakfast special--pancakes, eggs (over medium for me, over well for him), typically with bacon and either sugar-free or regular maple syrup. It's a pretty solid deal at around $12, and it comes with a cup of coffee. The coffee is like rocket fuel. Like I said, it's a classic greasy spoon. It's definitely worth a stop if you're looking for a no-frills breakfast. While it's not my go-to for lunch in the area, you'll definitely find something to satisfy your appetite. Service is always friendly and for the most part quick. I haven't been in high traffic times in a while. At 5-7 am on Friday it's pretty slow. read more

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Longtime favorite among area residents and workers from all walks. Always a choice of a main course plus three sides with moderate pricing. Food is served quickly, hot, and with a smile from waitresses. Only negative comment I have ever had was today for the Chicken & Dumplings, as there were plenty of dumplings, but the chicken seemed to be in short supply today. Reminiscent of Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup. ;-) read more

Ken's is one of those old-timer diners that's been holding it down in Deer Park for what feels like forever. Time seems to pass right by, but Ken's It stays the same no frills, no fuss. Classic American diner fare at decent prices. Don't expect warm smiles or friendly banter; both the staff and the regulars seem more interested in minding their own business than making small talk. But if you're looking to fill your belly with something familiar and hit the road, this place gets the job done. Eat, pay, go just like it's always been. read more

Absolutely dependable service and quality. Cleanest ever. They have been in business for almost 40 years. We discovered them several years ago and the wait staff hasn't changed. That says a lot about them. read more

Love this place... Breakfast is always goodLove their burgers.. service is always excellent.. servers are nice it's a family feeling no matter who you are.. read more

Waitress saved the day... watch out for the breakfast sandwich which comes with lettuce & mayo unless you ask it to be taken off... but you can get breakfast all day! read more

Ken's Restaurant - Menu - American Near Me - Deer Park, Texas

Home cooking-yes! Comfort food-yes! Southern hospitality-yes! Ken's is a throwback to old timey diners where they learn your name and your regular order. The food is priced right and is delicious! On this visit, I had the Beef Tips and rice special. It came with 3 sides, cobbler, and included the drink. The portions are perfect, and I am leaving full and highly satisfied. Melissa took really great care of us! Come here and eat, you won't be disappointed. read more

So, I'm updating my review because...*drum roll*, Ken's is NO LONGER SMOKING! Y'all this is fantastic. I can finally bring my nieces and nephew on the weekends without subjecting them to the smoke. They've cleaned the place up and given it a bit of a makeover. You can't even tell that this used to allow indoor smoking. The food is virtually the same but if they added fresh fruit or avocado toast, I'd probably make this a regular spot. Great bacon and the service is always friendly and spot-on. read more

Ken's is a great place to eat. I had a breakfast party with 26 friends attending. When I arrived everything was set up , as I had requested. The food was excellent and served hot. Great service and quality food, what more could you ask for! read more

Stopped into the lil ol town of Pasadena and ran into a friend here. We sat and were promptly greeted by our waitress Donna. She took our drink order and suggested a few of the goodies off of the menu and told us about the special of the day. The food came and I scarfed it down since I was pretty much hungry. I had the grilled cheese sandwich with onion rings. The sandwich was toasted just right, not under done and not burnt. Onion rings were hand made and not the store bought kind. My friend had the Chicken Fried Steak and it looked just right as far as the coloring and the steam spewing from the surface. This is your cut of the edge I would say "Mel's Diner" as far as your regulars coming in i.e. chemical plant workers and the local residents. It has your kind of "put you back in time" of the 70's where you could just sit back after your meal and not think about the hectic electronic technology days that hinder our living pleasures as far as cell phones, pages, etc. I do need to warn you there is a smoking section in the back of the restaurant but you could still smell some of the smoke up front. It didn't seem to serve the purpose of sectioning it off and can pretty much be trying to pass it off as the "Peeing and Non-Peeing section of a public swimming pool", it just didn't do it. Service, Donna who has over 20 years experience and employment here never missed a beat when my water went low or the Iced Tea that my friend spilled got towards the bottom. Once I stepped outside I was thrown forward almost 40 years into the future with my phone going off, L.E.D lights from the tail end of a new car passing by and the newly built business caddy corner from this establishment. If you visit Pasadena do the town a favor and support the local mom and pop business there, good ol fashion things are hard to get back once they are gone. read more

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My husband and I always eat here and never had anything that was bad to eat and the service is always Awesome.

Ordered the typical scrambled egg breakfast. The hash browns were not cooked, they were not even brown. The pancake had good flavor, but it too was undercooked. In fact, when they flipped the pancake over it messed the cake up on one side because it was still doughy (and that's how they served it to us - doughy). The toast was cold and unbuttered. Nothing good or bad to say about the bacon or eggs - we ate them. The staff was OK, not great, but OK. The first half of the meal, nobody checked to see if we needed more coffee or anything else; the last half, 3 different waitress' checked on us. We left very disappointed. We won't return. Based on this meal, we would have been better off staying home. If this place is your only option, you may want to do the same thing. read more

Ken's Restaurant - 2 eggs plate with an extra egg added - American Near Me - Deer Park, Texas

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My dad and I dropped by while running errands in the area. This place isn't eye-catching and is really easy to miss. But I'm glad we didn't this time, because lunch here was fantastic :) The Philly cheesesteak looked glorious as a beautifully messy heap of peppers, steak, and Swiss. My dad gave a thumbs up between busy mouthfuls of the sandwich, something pretty rare to see :D Lunch specials consist of 1 meat + 3 (!!) sides + dinner rolls or cornbread for $6.99. I promised myself to eat healthily today, so steered clear of the chicken fried steak... And went down another hill with the smothered pork chop lunch special ^^' I've never had smothered pork chops, but it was a thin slab of tender pork definitely smothered and drowning in a savory gravy. The Mac and cheese was creamy, a little light on the cheesy flavor, but everything's better with extra pepper :P the cabbage was extremely light; there were ham chunks but if I didn't see them, I wouldn't have known they were cooked with the cabbage. The mixed vegetable side was steamed broccoli, zucchini, and yellow squash. Steamed is steamed, but if you need a boost of flavor, the pork chop gravy served well. I was way too full to even attempt nibbling on the cornbread, but my dad said it was pretty good~ Breakfast and lunch are served during opening hours, and a lot of patrons ordered their breakfast options during noon time. The smoke in the room made my eyes sting and it was like a game of seeing how long I could hold my breath. Patrons seem to be workers at the nearby chemical plants, as well as the occasional couple of elders. The waitresses were extremely warm and friendly, and they chatted with the regulars like old pals. The taste isn't amazingly out of this world; I would probably give 3 stars on flavor. Ken's can't be beat on value-- the combinations are endless, the portions are generous, and there's the family feel that they're going to take care of you that's hard to come by (there are even pads in women's restroom! Probably too much info for y'all guys, haha~). Definitely worth stopping by for breakfast or lunch (closed for dinner). They've been open for more than 40 years since 1970, and I bet / hope they will remain so for at least another 40. Check this place out! read more

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Food four stars, atmosphere three, wait staff five easily! Good food great prices. Flexible menu and staff accommodating. I am currently eating their veggie omelette with salsa made fresh daily! read more

Absolutely loved my first experience at Ken's. The food was exceptional & the service was impeccable! Our server was Tracy.. I can't wait to go back & try something else... read more

I have been going to this place for years and have always been eating the same thing but this past trip the Special of the Day was the chicken fried pork chop and was blown away at the size of the chop and the 2 vegetables to go with it. This is probably one of the best kept secrets of Deer Park. Great food and atmosphere with friendly people that visit this place. read more

Best breakfast and lunch in town!!!! I love their fried catfish and shrimp. Their Philly cheese steak omelette is delicious, but so is everything else in their menu. If you haven't already tried them, you definitely should. You will not regret it! read more

Ken's is a Deer Park institution that serves up consistently good food at a good price. It isn't fancy, but you'll be greeted with a smile and a friendly, comfortable atmosphere. Ken's offers a great breakfast, especially if you're into blueberry pancakes. The lunch specials are always great as well--in fact, their chicken-fried steak is one of the best I've ever had. And then there are the hand-dipped onion rings. You know what? Just go. You'll be glad you did. read more

Ken's Restaurant - The chicken-fried steak may not be much to look at, but it's one of the best I've ever had. - American Near Me - Deer Park, Texas

So here's a update for those looking for the classic diner experience. This restaurant no longer smells like a ashtray at the local bingo night. They have had a makeover an it now smells like 409 or some sort of cleaner. Thank goodness too because it was not very appealing to individuals who are non smokers in Harris county and non smokers The prices for the lunch specials are no longer $6.99 but now after taxes a little more then $10. They do offer daily specials and a kind staff but they don't yet have a printed menu for takeout orders. read more

Delicious breakfast special and country fried steak. Their cornbread is smooth as well. Charlie was my server and she was great. Honestly they were all great. Definition of true Texas Hospitality. Can't wait for my next visit when I'm in Deer Park! read more

We've lived in Deer Park for over 10 years and hadn't tried Ken's till today. I'm glad it's a non smoking establishment now because that's what honestly kept us away for so long. My whole family ordered Philly Cheesesteaks to go. Everything was so fresh we couldn't wait to eat and unfortunately did not take picture to share. We each had the onion rings, potato salad and fries. The potato salad is the best potato salad I have had from a restaurant taste homemade. The onion rings are also a must they were big and fresh. The staff were all friendly. I also asked about breakfast all day because we are late risers and it's hard to find breakfast that isn't fast food in the area and was delighted to hear that they do serve breakfast all day. We will definitely be going back to try more menu items!!! read more

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Local eatery with geeat breakfast selection at reasoble price and quick service. Nice sized parking lot. Spacious seating area, bright interior. Will return when back in town. read more

It's nothing real fancy but it is clean, the food is delicious, the staff is super polite, and the prices are more than fair. I will definitely be back. I had to beef tips with rice and it comes with 3 sides and 2 cornbread muffins or rolls. read more

I really like to go to Ken's to get the veal cutlet and scalloped potatoes. I can't very often because that cigarette smoke is so bad, you can taste it. Sad, as once in months is all I can do. Food is good though. read more

Ken's Restaurant - American Near Me - Deer Park, Texas

Ken's serves a good old fashion breakfast, great coffee and has wonderful service. I have not been back for lunch but I certainly will plan for it. read more

Kens is great! Get the chicken fried steak! This is our go to place! Best deal for your money. read more

Ken's Restaurant - Chicken fried steak so good - American Near Me - Deer Park, Texas

For the first time in 40 years to patronize Ken's, I did so today after hearing of the implementation of No Smoking. I was very pleased with the cleanliness, prompt service, friendly staff & fresh furnishings. Important to me are the near 40 oz tea glasses. During high school beginning in 73 I used to eat at Ken's frequently. Thank you Randy & Diane. read more

I happen to like this hole in the wall. Nothing fancy about this place at all but, the food is pretty good. Area of this little hole in the wall allow smoking & you can smell it on the non smoking side. The staff is nice, friendly & has great old school customer service. This place reminds me of an old country kitchen out back.... read more

I had breakfast and it was amazing!! Bacon was cooked just right, grits with the perfect amount of buttery goodness, and the biscuits just fall apart when you cut them open. So so good!! read more

Ken's Restaurant - American Near Me - Deer Park, Texas

Always great service. Even when busy at lunch, there is always a table. In the many years I have come here, I have never had to wait for one. Today I had the BLT. Was prepared nicely and taste was good. Could have used a little more bacon and tomato, but still good. Onion rings were nice and hot when brought to the table. Sandy was our server and always has it together. Most of the waitresses do. Lots of the plant operators come here to dine. Some mornings they have some the old timers stop in and they tell some old stories. Skillet's watch out! Ken's just may take that away from you! read more

Love me some Kens!! Get them to make you a waffle with Bacon inside & then blueberries on top.... It's my fave & yes I made it up! They have THE FLUFFIEST waffles around & I won't go anywhere else for them!! And yes, get some grits while you're at it!!! For lunch grab yourself some chicken & dumplins! You won't be disappointed!!! read more

When I went into Ken's Restaurant I was not aware that it was a smoking establishment. There was no signs on the door or windows. I normally don't hate smoking or smokers, but on this particular day I had a sinus infection, and being around smoke was not ideal. The food was alright, a little too expensive for the quality, but wasn't my biggest issue. There should be signs stating that smoking is allowed in this restaurant. I didn't grow up in this area so I didn't already know. read more

Went to Ken's for breakfast 9/20/20. We sat ourself as the sign stated. We sat for some time waiting on somebody to clean our dirty table, and menu. Finally I got up and asked for a menu and rag to clean table. I got a menu and she actually handed me a dry rag and im like I need to clean the table. So, then she came over and half ass wiped it. So finally somebody came and got drink order told her we already know what we want (since we were sitting for so long. ) So as we are waiting for our food several other people came in and sat and were addressed right away. Still no food well after 3 tables that got there after us got there food we got up and told them we are leaving. Never going back. Not ever a sorry. read more

Ken's food is very good but I can't get past the smoke! I would like to eat without getting cancer.

Ken's is smoke free now! So so much better. The food was always good, but is much more enjoyable in a smoke free environment. Definitely one of our favorite breakfast places. read more

First and only time to Ken's. Chicken strips and large heap of cigarette smoke for lunch. Good service and food was okay but felt the need to shower for the rest of the afternoon. Clothes smelled after just 45 minutes there. I think one could "catch" lung cancer during lunch time. read more

I decided to try this place out. If you don't mind eating in an ashtray then I bet it is a great place. The smell was so strong I made it to a table and didn't even sit down. Disgusting!!! If you want to smoke that's your choice but I don't want to choke on it while trying to eat my breakfast. Very disappointed Deer Park!! read more

Early in morning, don't sit in the back near the long table... It's full of old retired guys with a love for smoking....

I wouldn't even give it 1 star, if you like food with your cigarette smoke this is the place! Like eating an ashtray! As soon as you walk in the door emphysema sets in, by the time you finish eating you should have a healthy dose of 3D stage Lung cancer! Condemn this place!! read more

So sad - wanted to rate it better...but breakfast was not even so-so. Ordered the scrambled eggs soft scrambled, and they were the highlight of our meal. Nothing special, just cooked right. Now the bad news. NO seasoning on "hash browned potatoes" - more like white shoe sting under cooked potatoes. Cold toast - so cold the butter got harder when I put it on. Somehow, they have found tasteless bacon, and served it to us. So glad we added on a doughy pancake to complete our breakfast. My advice - pass. Maybe lunch is better, but without love (or at least a little affection) being included as an ingredient in their cooking, I definitely will not give Ken's another chance. read more