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    Knowlwood

    3.1 (690 reviews)
    Open 6:30 am - 8:30 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Order Knowlwood Takeout or Delivery

    Knowlwood Photos

    KNOWLWOOD ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Knowlwood

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    Reviews With Photos

    Filthy napkin dispenser
    Heidi T.

    The restaurant was filthy. The booths were caked with dust, and the condiments were all sticky and gross. The food lacked texture and flavor, and it was greasy and disappointing. We couldn't eat more than a few bites, especially after noticing the dirty environment. Today we tried the breakfast. We've tried the burger once before, and I'm saying the "World's Best Hamburger" sign out front is genuinely offensive. You don't get to make that claim when you serve the same awful frozen burger they have next door. Do better.

    Candace D.

    The food was delish! We had omelets...we had burgers with fries... and we had the most amazing oriental chicken salad...they had a band playing while we had brunch...nice atmosphere..cozy vibes..outdoor seating..friendly, excellent service..

    Tiffany N.

    I am shocked that I didn't leave a review for Knowlwood's before! Did you know that this restaurant is registered as a historic site in the City of Irvine? Definitely come by and check it out. Ordering is simple, just get in line and order at the register where your receipt has your order number. There is a lot to choose from and if you're ever wondering what Knowlwood's has to offer, think of it as a diner with more affordable options than IHop and Denny's. The first time I came (which was years ago) I ordered a simple breakfast. This time I ordered the steak and eggs with a side of breakfast potatoes and toast. It's around $15 for this! Yes you heard me!! I'm not too picky with my diner food, so I know I can come Knowlwoods and enjoy my meal everytime.

    These cookies are a freaking $1.29 each
    Kenny H.

    Dear Lord. These cookies, that's what the review is for. They're like the size of an Oreo. And they're $1.29 each? If I didn't promise my kiddo a small treat I would have laughed and walked out. This is insane. Hey new management, this ain't the way to do whatever you're doing.

    Counter where you order.  Prices were reasonable. Quality was not.
    Amy C.

    Saturday, August 16, 2025: We intended to eat at Denny's but this eatery was right next to it and it looked interesting and thought we should try a new place. As soon as you walk in you're quickly drawn in by the ambiance as the unique decor evoked the promise of a tasty home cooked meal, expectations of comfort food. It advertised that it had the best hamburger so my husband opted for that while I ordered the fish & chips. I'm no expert but I've had fish & chips all over in the U.S.; London, England; Darwin, Australia; and the best & most freshest served in Hilo, Hawaii. Our orders were quickly brought out by a confused & unfriendly young woman. When I asked if they had malt vinegar she looked at me with a blank stare then walked away. It was odd but she returned with balsamic vinaigrette. I told her that wasn't malt vinegar & I got the same blank stare but she did eventually return with my request. Sorry but her behavior was strange. Sadly, the food was bland & mediocre. It didn't match the hype of the ambiance & fell exceedingly short! My husband's hamburger fell apart because they stuffed it with too much lettuce and it made the buns soggy. The meat was barely seasoned. My fish was terrible. The batter had a bitter aftertaste and the fish wasn't tasty at all. The tartar sauce & malt vinegar did nothing to enhance it. I was hungry and managed to choke down one filet. It definitely was not cod or pollock. It was unidentifiable. I couldn't finish the rest. It was disgusting & disappointing! We had such high hopes for this establishment. We should have gone to Denny's.

    Inside
    Carolyn C.

    We had been at the great park most of the day and was looking for someplace that wasn't technically fast food but close to the park and this one's very convenient just on the other side of the 5. There was plenty of parking as it was early afternoon on a Sunday - there is a Denny's right next to this restaurant as well as some hotels, but we lucked out and found a spot right away Upon entering, you turned to the left, and there is a large counter and menu above, and it looked to be stations for the cashiers. Maybe based on the time that we were there, both of the gals were very preoccupied, counting their cast drawers at that particular moment. We had to interrupt them to place our order. We did decide to eat inside, although there are are plenty of tables on a patio area as well. Inside is definitely older and has a hodgepodge of all sorts of decor, which was also than adjusted slightly for Halloween decorations. To be honest, though some of the areas of this restaurant looked like they really could use a good cleaning or dusting, so it was hard to decipher if it was real cobwebs or decorations. We waited about 15 minutes for our order. They do call out on a microphone with a bell tone before they speak and then you need to run up and get your order. We did get two fountain drinks as well with our meal. The fountain station is in a little bit, awkward spot and half of the options or not working - just running clear. Before our food arrived, I didn't need to use the ladies room, which also is very old. Everything was functioning, but it's the type of place that even though it may be clean it's old. It feels dirty. I ordered the original cheeseburger which is their claim to fame. My husband ordered the French dip. We shared a basket of fries. The food was delicious. Burger and the French dip were full of flavor. The french fries were nice and hot and I couldn't believe the basket was the small. I can't imagine how big the basket would've been for a large serving. There are a ton of condiments on the table tables everything from ketchup to hot sauce to maple syrup. I needed to move everything off to one side so that we could share the fries and put the tray in between us. It did seem that this place may have been busier earlier that day perhaps for Sunday breakfast as one gentleman was still in the process of cleaning the overall restaurant. There are only about four or five other tables standing at that time. Between the outside area and all the tables and chairs and benches they have it can really fit a lot of people. I'm glad I tried it. The food was great experience and the inside of this place really could use an overhaul but I'm one for nostalgia if you've been around this long you're doing something right.

    Juan G.

    Cool breakfast spot right off the 405 on Sand Canyon Ave in Irvine. Inside and outside seating available. Very spacious inside, nice and interesting decoration and a pool table. Plenty of parking. Good atmosphere, relax and enjoyable. Food was really good, tasty and good quantity. Why 4 stars instead of 5? Because the cashier said I could substitute my toast for a pancake. But she didn't say that it was extra. Not a big deal, but I would have liked to know because ordering!

    NOT a good burger. Bland
    Kim H.

    We stopped in for nostalgia's sake, but the "Home of the World's Best Hamburger" claim must be a joke. The burger was dry, tasteless & forgettable. The fries? Just as sad. My chicken salad was no better-- wilted greens, bland chicken, a weird dressing that didn't belong anywhere near food & zucchini cooked into mush. To top it off, the food took forever to arrive, even though there were only two occupied tables in the whole place. By the time it arrived, the disconnected, lifeless atmosphere already had us regretting the choice. If this is the "world's best," I'd hate to see the worst.

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    1 month ago

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    26 days ago

    Liana is a very good server at Knowlwood, she greets everyone with a beautiful smile and she's very good at what she does

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    5 days ago

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    8 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    7 months ago

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    19 days ago

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    4 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    8 months ago

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    1 month ago

    Melanie is amazing good hearted lady that is very patient and kind. The food here is better than Denny's alot better.

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    4 months ago

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    3 months ago

    Just had our book club meeting here and great ambience and wonderful service from Liana! The food was yummy and such a fun vibe!

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    2 months ago

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    23 days ago

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    2 months ago

    The place is hidden and run down, tables always dirty. Their burgers are ok- think fast food

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    2 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    8 months ago

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    1 month ago

    Great food, service and burgers. Enjoyed the vibe and will definitely go back. Great turkey burger.

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    2 years ago

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    8 months ago

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    8 months ago

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    11 months ago

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    11 months ago

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    3 months ago

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    3 months ago

    Had a really good burger and onion rings. Our server Liana was very friendly and the ambiance was great. Cute place to have dinner.

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    Page 1 of 18

    Knowlwood Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Knowlwood

    When was this placed established?

    The original Knowlwood in Anaheim Hills (now closed) opened in 1957. I've been going to the Irvine… Read more

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    It is always a pleasure to support local businesses here in Tustin, and American Grub has certainly…read moreimpressed me in several key areas. I wanted to share some comprehensive feedback regarding a recent experience, aiming to highlight both your successes and areas where further refinement could elevate the customer journey even further. First and foremost, I must commend your team for their exceptional warmth and hospitality. From my initial phone call to the moment I picked up my order, I felt genuinely welcomed and valued. This level of customer service, which often feels lacking in many establishments today, truly sets American Grub apart. It creates a welcoming atmosphere that significantly enhances the overall experience, and I sincerely hope this commitment to friendliness remains a cornerstone of your operation. However, I encountered a couple of points that, in my personal opinion, warrant consideration for improvement. Regarding the payment process, I felt a degree of apprehension about providing my credit card details over the phone. While I understand the operational need to secure orders and prevent potential losses, particularly for larger transactions, for a single item like my bacon cheeseburger, priced at $17.24 including tax, this practice felt somewhat disproportionate. I also noted the 99-cent fee for online payments, which, while minor, might deter some customers who are seeking convenience without additional charges. Perhaps exploring alternative secure payment links for phone orders or adjusting the fee structure for smaller transactions could enhance customer comfort and streamline the process. My primary concern, however, arose upon returning home. Despite ordering a bacon cheeseburger, I discovered the burger completely lacked bacon, as well as any form of sauce or mayonnaise. This oversight had a significant impact on the meal; the absence of these core components rendered the burger quite bland and far from the experience I had anticipated. When ordering a single item, the expectation for meticulous attention to detail is particularly high, as there are fewer variables. Consequently, the overall value of the meal, given the missing ingredients, was not quite met on this occasion. I did reach out to the owner privately via email to discuss these points, and I appreciate their responsiveness and transparency in addressing my feedback, particularly concerning the rationale behind the phone payment policy. It is reassuring to know that your business is open to customer input. My hope is that these observations can serve as constructive input, allowing American Grub to continue refining its excellent service and product quality. I remain a supporter of your local endeavor and look forward to seeing these aspects addressed. Thank you for reaching out. To clarify, all my reviews and communications are crafted solely from my personal experiences and genuine perspectives, not AI. Every word and insight you read is authentically mine, driven by my commitment to provide honest feedback. Even though the review was long..(lol) I wanted to make sure the details are accurate and understandable. Plus I think you and your establishment are great and I wanted to detail that as well Kimberly.

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    Hole In the Wall Burger - hole in the wall burger

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