Kenosha, WI

Frank's Diner 508 58th St, Kenosha, WI 53140, 262-657-1017


Kenosha, WI is a small lakeside community about six miles north of the Illinois boarder on Lake Michigan. Through most of the 1900's it was largely industrial with several plants involved in automobile manufacturing. In the last 20 years, most of the plants have shut down and residents now commute to white collar jobs in Chicago or Milwaukee. My first impression driving through was not exactly of a thriving town, in fact at least 50% of the store fronts we passed were vacant. But Kenosha is home to Frank's Diner, which has a special place in my heart and is a must visit on Sunday mornings whenever I go back to Illinois or Wiscon
sin!

Frank's came to Wisconsin in 1926 and is housed in a old train dining car. Over the years, renovations have been made, but the unique feel of the train car adds a certain historical dive element to this breakfast diner! On any given weekend day, you can expect a line that starts down the center of the car (counter on the right, seating on the left) and out the front door. Really, it's a cool set up because as you wait, you can ogle people's food, enjoy a mimosa, and watch Lynn and Chris work their magic at the grill behind the counter. The diner has some of the elements of a good dive bar, bobble heads and dinosaurs up on a shelf, sassy signs that shout out "Order what you want, eat what you get!" and friendly banter between the staff. It's enough going on that you could come by yourself for breakfast, sit at the counter and be completely entertained the entire meal.

But let's get down to the main business of why that line goes out the door: the food. Since I was introduced to Frank's I've had nothing but their garbage plates (although the non garbage plates I've seen other people order look delicious too). The garbage plate is hash browns, green peppers, onions, jalapeños, eggs, ham, bacon, sausage, or veggie (zucchini, mushroom, tomato, pepper, onion, and jalapeños) with fresh baked toast. A full garbage plate with 5 eggs and three meats is only $10.50 and literally covers the plate. For those of us with normal stomaches who can't win eating challenges, they do serve a 1/2 garbage plate made with only 3 eggs and less meats... But regardless of your quantity, the quality is there and will bring you back for another every time!