a true gem of a restaurant that was featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives by Guy Fieri, Franks Diner has been serving up delicious breakfast and lunch options for over 90 years. Walking into this joint is like taking a step back in time, as you’ll find the classic diner set-up with stools, a counter, and booths.
You’ll also find friendly staff that make you feel like family. The menu is packed with crowd favorites, and you’ve got to try their famous Garbage Plate – hash browns topped with eggs, veggies, cheese, and your choice of meat. Trust us, it’s worth surrendering your diet for this one!
But what puts Franks over the edge, besides its amazing food and retro atmosphere, is the warm welcome you receive on entering. Their slogan “Home of the pancakes as big as a Frisbee®” says it all. Furthermore, their daily specials reflect the creativity range of flavors they work with.
If you’re a foodie who’s never visited Franks Diner, then you’re missing out on a one-of-a-kind experience. So pack your bags, hit the road, and make sure you add this spot on your Flavortown bucket list. You won't regret it!
You’ll also find friendly staff that make you feel like family. The menu is packed with crowd favorites, and you’ve got to try their famous Garbage Plate – hash browns topped with eggs, veggies, cheese, and your choice of meat. Trust us, it’s worth surrendering your diet for this one!
But what puts Franks over the edge, besides its amazing food and retro atmosphere, is the warm welcome you receive on entering. Their slogan “Home of the pancakes as big as a Frisbee®” says it all. Furthermore, their daily specials reflect the creativity range of flavors they work with.
If you’re a foodie who’s never visited Franks Diner, then you’re missing out on a one-of-a-kind experience. So pack your bags, hit the road, and make sure you add this spot on your Flavortown bucket list. You won't regret it!
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Guy Fieri Eats (1)
Here are the dishes that Guy Fieri featured on the show
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I had the half Garbage Plate with bacon and chorizo as my meat selection and cheddar cheese. They also included jalapeno peppers to give it that extra kick. This also came with a side of homemade toast (a very generous portion of 4 slices spread with butter). I really enjoyed this dish and took over half of it home for myself to enjoy later. For a little over $13.00, I couldn't believe how much food you get for that price point. There was, fortunately, no wait as I could sit at the counter and the food came up to me quickly for as small of a grill they use with a packed place. If you're dining with a group, there may be a wait so hopefully, you can call ahead. I was also very happy to see the place didn't change much since the episode and I felt like I could re-live Guy's experience. 8.0/10
What dish did Guy Fieri eat on the show?
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Reviews (17)
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I ate here last summer - July 2014. I came from PA to Lena Illinois and my friend humored me and we drove to Kenosha to visit Frank's Diner. The food was amazing. And there was a TON of it. I only got a 1/2 of a garbage plate and could hardly eat 1/2 of that. the bread is to DIE for. WOW. The service...well, that leaves a LOT to be desired. The wait is long, but this is people watching at its best. And the grill is right out where you can see them cooking and that is a lot of fun to watch to. And our actually server was super friendly and helpful. The rest of the staff, not so much. The locals know where to stand and go, but out-of-towners do not and they were quite harsh with us for assuming we could just sit when there was an empty booth. Perhaps they could post the rules on the door so you are aware before entering. All-in-all I am glad that I was able to visit there [got a t-shirt too] and I do recommend it to anyone who is in the area. Just make sure you follow ALL the rules. :-)
2/13/14, Really wanted to try this place, but after hauling my 18 wheeler all the way in from the interstate I walk in at 2:20 & get told that they are actually closed. So People l have learned & can suggest that calling in advance is highly recommend, they are only open from 6am to 1:30, not sure if the web page says that or not, place looked like it could be a nice funky meal, but now I'll never know.
They are not closed. Changed ownership, but the same food and fun.
They are NOT closed.
Drove from Chicago to have breakfast. When we got to the resturant there was a sign on the door saying they were closed. I checked the web site before we went. Would have been helpful if they updated the web site. Won't be back. Charlie Parker's in Springfield, IL was worth the trip.
Well worth the wait and drive! The garbage plate was very good but the toasted home made bread was the absolute best! Already planning the next trip....
Worth every minute of the wait. The staff is super friendly and the food was amazing. Captian Crunch French Toast, who ever thought of this is a rock star!!
We drive up from Illinois frequently to enjoy the garbage plate. It's the best breakfast around! We love the homemade breads and the quaint feel of the diner. You won't be disappointed. But come with a friend or huge appetite if you're going to order the full size garbage plate... it's a monster! I usually take home half of the half plate. Enjoy
Good food - very crowded - took along time to get meal. The garbage plate was worth the wait
Fun place to go once. Very crowded, which is part of the journey to a good meal. Garbage plate was worth waiting for. Dont go if you are in a hurry.
Looks like a great Diner.
The wife and I love the place. Every so often we make a trip. Garbage plates are awsome and keep an eye out for garbage plate specials.
Driving thruough to Minn I decided to stop at a Triple D restaurant. I'm so glad I did. frank's is a very cool place. I got there early to beat the rush and got a seat at the counter where I could watch all the action on the tiny grill. I got the garbage plate, it was huge and it was awesome! I came 5 bites away from finishing it, but if I would've taken one more bite, I would've hurled. Everything they made looked great and will definitely stop again if I'm close.
The food was great but the portions were huge. I had the veggie garbage plate and my husband had the bacon garbage plate. By far his was better but mine was still good. Try the mimosa. It was as big as the garbage plate and the taste was spot on. Great place to go. Would highly recommend.
Shared a half order garbage plate, chicken wrap, mimosa and bloody mary with my wife. The garbage plate, mimosa and bloody mary were all huge. The garbage plate was excellent, we ate half of it, took the other half home and enjoyed it for breakfast the next morning. Mimosa and bloody were good. Chicken wrap was just OK. We'll definitely be back to share another plate of "garbage".
The breakfast I had there was great! They single-handedly converted my opinion of onions and how to do them well. If they weren't so far away I would be in there every week. Drop in if you are in the area. They alo make an excellent blue-cheese burger (or so I was told by my partner in crime).
Worth visiting..............great ambience.............good breakfast. Have to return for the burger.