I was excited to try this diner. walking in you are thrown back decades with the old booth type seating and counter with old soda machines. Unfortunately the service seems dated as well. No one to tell you what todo. So we followed folks to the counter and after asking got a menu and sat down. Lots of regulars at this place. Seemed like they aged in place. The food is just okay. I had the burger baby a half lb. of beef. A huge sandwich with everything but flavor. hunh the texture of the beef was a little off. The onion rings were crispy but also missing the onion flavor. Wife had the jumbo dog with curly fries. A huge dog again just okay. Hermes would have been a better choice. A huge disappointment. Staff weren't unfriendly just unengaged. They all seemed bored. The prices were high. $40+ for the food and drink. read more

In town to see family in Skokie and go to the Wildcats game in Evanston with a group of friends. This is the quintessential Sunday afternoon diner. The Pastrami on rye was phenomenal. We saw a lot of burgers and chicken dishes going out. The ambience was comfy cozy and the people very welcoming. Most of these family run operations are a great find. We're here a few more days, I'm hoping we can stop back in! read more

Having read many glowing reviews, Ken's was an easy choice when we were looking for a diner. What a disappointment! The roast beef sandwich fell apart on arrival, probably because of the dry cold bread that immediately broke and the fact that the meat was in small pieces rather than slices; no. lettuce or tomato was offered. everything was served on paper. The Italian beef sandwich was nothing like one expects in Chicago. I don't think any of these problems relate to the kosher food. The 50's kitsch of the restaurant is attractive and everyone was very nice. read more

We found this little gem on yelp and were pleasantly surprised. Came while my mom was in the OR. Amazing staff. Gluten free options. Quality ingredients. Attention to detail was amazing. No cross contamination. Italian beef on gluten free bun was our favorite read more

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The food is great, the people are really nice and it's very comfortable eating there.

I've been coming here for years. What I like so much is the ambiance, and friendly owners and staff, and of course the food. They had a rough patch during Covid when I felt the chicken wasn't good, a bit dry, but what I like is how they looked at the menu and what they were ordering and made changes. Since then, the popcorn chicken is 5 stars, the fries they changed to are much better tasting than the previous, 5 stars, and I really like the salads they've reinvented. Jumbo dog 5 stars. read more

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I must point out that I was re-introduced to Ken's Diner & Grill within Facebook group (Vegan Chicago), where Ken's Diner shared a post stating that it will be open on the 4th of July, offering you mouthwatering Vegan hamburgers and hotdogs. I thought to myself, offering mouthwatering Vegan hamburgers and hotdogs? Mmm, now you are speaking my language. It was then I made plans to make the drive to Skokie on the 4th of July, Independence Day. Ken's Diner & Grill itself sits along Dempster St nearby several restaurants that I am familiar with, with one being the neighboring Monkey King Jianbing which I admit I have visited a handful of times for jianbing, tehehe. Even though the parking lot is shared with other businesses, there are a decent number of parking spots available with some in parallel parking design directly outside the storefront. I was acknowledged shortly after I walked in and up to the counter to look at the menu. After confirming their plant-based items, I ended up ordering the jumbo vegan hot dog, french fries, and a canned soda which was completed within a reasonable timeframe. I opted out of dine-in and chose to take my order to go. Nothing wrong with the atmosphere of Ken's Diner & Grill, I just had other errands I needed to complete, even with-it being a holiday. Moreover, the restaurant appeared clean, and the atmosphere gave off a sporty, yet classy diner vibe. There are a number of tables and seats available inside of the dining area. And I must say that I adored the vintage photos plastered along the booths, and vintage decorations in the dining area which took me by surprise. Garnished with everything but hot peppers, I enjoyed the satisfying taste of the jumbo vegan hot dog once I had gotten settled in for the evening. It was most definitely mouthwatering as advertised in the Facebook post shared by Ken's Diner. And the fries were far from a disappointment. Being that I had a great experience, I would gladly re-visit Ken's Diner & Grill again whenever in the Skokie area. Or maybe I will just make the drive for either one of their mouthwatering vegan hamburgers or hotdogs, tehehe. Service: 5 | Atmosphere: 5 | Food: 5 Recommendations: cabbage soup, impossible mushroom avocado burger, veggie burger, impossible burger, grilled cheese, quesadilla with veggie meat, steak fries, curly fries, vegan hot dog, or vegan chili dog. ~ Don't Sweat The Technique. ~ Thomas G read more

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I like taking people there who are new to Chicago. It is a very nice Chicago museum! The best kosher food ,you can take non kosher friends there and like the food. The bar ba qu beef is so good! read more

Good long time popular place that's a throwback to an old time diner. If you like old fashioned stuff, or vegan versions of it, come here. Ken's Diner is one of the local favorites in Skokie. A reason is the community's large Jewish population, and here it's all kosher. There's shakes, burgers, and hot dogs whether regular or free of animal products. A bit out of the way as far as public transportation is the worst thing about it. It has some old 1950s theme, with random stuff all over and classic music. This makes the place seem even older. It's in a pretty nondescript strip mall. The place is bigger than it looks from the outside. As for the food, that's the best thing about it. I have tried most of the vegan choices, and there's a lot. Prices aren't that bad for most things. It's about $5 for a shake, and $6 for a hot dog. These are also the vegan versions so it's expects to be a bit more. Even so, it's not bad. The portions are okay too especially for fries. Cool place for both the food and decor. It may feel like a place back in time but the menu has enough on it for modern tastes. There's the classic versions of old school diner food as well as stuff for vegans. read more

Ken's Diner & Grill - Vegan Shake, Vegan Fries, And The Vegan Hot Dog - American Near Me - Skokie, Illinois

Love this place! Consistently delicious- everyone who works here is incredible nice and it's definitely the place to be for Chicago sports fans. Sweet potato fries are a must! read more

I haven't had food this delicious since I was a young girl. Everyone at Ken's is so lovely and kind. Thank you so much for an amazing lunch!

Very nice owners and great old fashioned diner decor. Bigger than it looks from the outside. The sweet potato fries were really good- the French fries not so much. Sandwiches were ok. I think I would describe this as typical diner food. But again- the people that run the place are so friendly that I would probably come back. read more

I came to Ken's from out of town and got a burger, fries and drink combo. The real appeal of the place is the decor. It's definitely an old-time diner experience! There was so much to look around and see. They have outlets if you need to charge your phone or a laptop. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The bathroom was clean and the portions were plentiful. Come take a look! read more

Ken's Diner & Grill - American Near Me - Skokie, Illinois

Friendly, really nice people. I wasn't prepared for deli prices - is a corned beef sandwich with fries really $18 dollars now? But I loved the place and would go back. To the owners - don't be insulted about my comment regarding the price. I really didn't know!! read more

This place has goten better with age. Yes many aspects of this restaurant have changed over the years. Most of them are for the better. One of only things that hasn't changed is the cash register. They only have 1 register and it has a nice 1990's feel to it. The food here is amazing. The avi (fried chicken sandwich) 8s one of my favorite but it always comes second to the bayken burger. The bayken burger is amazing. It is definitely a full meal on its own. So much flavor and yes if your not paying attention it will ruin your shirt. read more

Ken's Diner & Grill - Avi - American Near Me - Skokie, Illinois

Best Kosher Restaurant I've been to outside Israel! Amazing Chicago Style Italian Beef, Hot Dogs, Parve (dairy free) Milkshakes and much more. I have been going since I was a toddler when my grandparents lived in Skokie and my dad and I took my girlfriend there last January as my father grew up nearby and recently moved back. The food remains affordable, staff is friendly, and the decor is wonderful with Chicago sports teams and much more. Bonus points that the owner has the same name as my own. One of my friends in New Jersey wishes parve milkshakes were more common out at the NYC restaurants as they are here. I recommend this place for everyone, regardless of whether or not they are Jewish, locals or tourists. read more

The steak fries are amazing! I ordered the fried salami sandwich because I saw it on someone else's review and it was delicious. Good recommendation, stranger. Thank you! I also ordered barley-mushroom soup and that could be a meal all on its own. So hearty. I'm flabbergasted how fun and yummy this diner is. I will definitely be back. read more

Ken's Diner & Grill - Fried salami sandwich with steak fries. - American Near Me - Skokie, Illinois

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The food is pretty good. The restaurants operations could use some work. When I came into get a pickup order everyone behind the counter just stared at me silently when I said I was there to pick up my order. There was an awkward exchange of silence until I guess the one person who worked there who could speak to the customers came back. read more

Fun place with a lot of character and characters. Food is pretty good overall: turkey burger just okay, but tasty signature popcorn chicken, good cole slaw, and solid steak fries. (I appreciate this potato format which you don't see very often anymore.) I really enjoyed the grilled salami sandwich on french onion roll as well as the "Dempster"--barbecue beef on a french roll. It's better with some onions. They offer small drink cups but free self-serve refills. Including Diet Dr Pepper, yee haw. They have a kids' menu but no grilled cheese, to my toddler's disappointment that day. (But she liked the hot dog.) In fact, there is no cheese at all--it's a kosher non-dairy restaurant. Oops! Don't be an a-hole like me and bring a cup of milk for your kid to drink. Sorry Ken. read more

#Legendary This place is so consistent it's unbelievable! Thank you so much for all the good food & memories. After 40 years the owners still come to ask you how everything is.. & they know it's spot on. read more

Ken's Diner & Grill - Bay-Ken Burger- Hold the mushrooms hold the onions. BBQ sauce. Special sauce on the side! - American Near Me - Skokie, Illinois

I am on my way back there to pick up a corned beef sandwich with potato salad. Corned beef is warm and the rye bread is moist and fresh. The talk behind the counter adds to the friendly neighborhood vibe here. Just a great family restaurant. read more

Great kosher fleshick restaurant with a 50's diner theme. Great service and food serving all your favorite diner foods. I love their Italian beef and the pastrami read more

Some of the better kosher food I have had. The owner is very nice. He was actually telling us how he got into the business when he was in SoCal surfing and contemplating law school. A big menu with options including vegan options. Got their fried chicken, fries and Italian beef. If I was to go back there is more items I want to try. I wish the place was closer to the city, but that wouldn't help the restaurant make money and keep the prices affordable. Parking is provided. Nice neighborhood. read more

Ken's Diner & Grill - Italian Beef Sandwich, French Fries and Fried Chicken - American Near Me - Skokie, Illinois

Food reminds me of home cooking-nothing fancy, but always delicious and consistent in quality.

Absolutely blown away by Ken's Diner! We were happily greeted by Ken upon entry and it was clear the pride and passion he takes in his establishment. I'm vegan and my husband is not and we were both totally satisfied. While we were waiting for our takeout order, Ken was generous enough to send over some soups for us to taste (excellent BTW.) This was our first of many visits. 10/10 stars. read more

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We enjoyed a great Italian beef sandwich and hot dog (both with steak fries), and we were so happy that they had a vegan Impossible burger + that you could get it with a gluten-free bun (and it all tasted fabulous). Cool diner decor, clean restaurant and friendly staff as well. read more

This is one of my favorite restaurants in my area! Not only is their food delicious, but their prices are reasonable too! The best part is that they have vegan AND gluten free options... My go-to's are the burgers and hot dogs with gluten free buns. They also have a separate fryer for the gf fries. It's much better tasting than some items I find at the grocery store. Don't forget to try the vegan shake! The owners are extremely personable and friendly, and I love all the cool decor inside. I try to visit this awesome place as often as I can! read more

Best pastrami sandwich!!! Best corned beef sandwich!!! Marble rye was delicious!!! Super friendly and nice employees!!! We will definitely come back!!! read more

Not the best veggie burger, I got the shitz after eating here, dont think I'll be eating here ever again!

Love the atmosphere, the friendly staff and the food. Always good and fresh. My grandchildren when they visit always want to have lunch at Ken's Diner & Grill. Doesn't get better than that!! read more

The Burger Buddy is consistently great. The Italian Beef is spot on every time. The fries are fresh and crispy. They have the impossible stuff for family members who are being impossible. The place is clean. The staff is friendly. The owners are mentsches. Whaddya want? Go already. read more

Kens Diner is an Absolute winner with their friendly service and great food it's a No-brainer. Look no further to enjoy going out with family, friends or colleagues. read more

Atrocious. I watched the owners fight for 15 minutes whe I stood there waiting to place an order. No masks, and a biligerent owner who told me he couldn't be vaccinated because he had antibodies (bullfeathers). Reading the reviews it's apparent they hace been maskless for months now and don't believe in masks,in the virus the vaccine or anything. It seems like a hot bed of Trump supporters and in addition the food was greasy and inedible - I threw it out. Never go here! read more

Came here for some yummy kosher food! I had the protein sandwich, where instead of the bread on the sandwich it's a thin slice of chicken- SO DELICIOUS! I got it with a side of veggies and they were perfection! My friends got the burger and hot dog and they were both good too. Next time I want to try one of their desserts! read more

Ken's Diner & Grill - American Near Me - Skokie, Illinois

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Where do I start. Firstly this place is deceptively large. Viewing it from the outside of its strip mall home you'd think it's much smaller than it is. The service was exemplary. Michelle made me feel most at home. She went over the menu, was super helpful and warm. The vegan options were abundant, and she made insightful suggestions. I had their vegan burger and some curly fries. My dish was expertly prepared and all the components seemed fresh. My companion got the steak fries and a beyond burger with a shake and all those items were a hit as well. Their mushroom barley soup and their lemon cookies were also wonderful. The decor is cute as can be with the family atmosphere you'd expect from a diner. Lots of sports memorabilia and celebrity autographs peppered into some 50s campy vinyl stuff. I really enjoyed my dining experience here and would enthusiastically recommend this to anyone anywhere. read more

The food was amazing as was the service and ambience! I had the Combo and it was delicious and served quick! I would recommend this place to everyone! Thanks for the great food! read more

OK I saw great reviews for this place so I thought I would give it a try. My bad knowing that it was kosher thinking I could get a cheeseburger but it took 10 minutes to get my order and when I got it home it was wrong. The burger was just OK and their secret sauce is really just catch up and something that taste like thousand Island dressing. If you are kosher I guess it would be a better bet for you but I'd rather have Culver's and it would be a lot cheaper too read more

The only thing better than the great tasting menu offerings are the great people behind the counter and in the kitchen! Gerry and Rhonda. read more

This is quite possibly the WORST restaurant I have ever eaten at and I have eaten at many restaurants! Recently moved from New Jersey which is known for having a lot of diners. There were no signs that we saw stating to grab a menu and seat ourselves or, as the waitress eventually told us, this was "a sort of serve yourself restaurant." Have never seen that before at any diner in NJ. The food was subpar starting with the soups where the chicken noodle was too spicy and the split pea was extremely watery. The roast beef sandwich had little taste. To top it off, the prices were way too high considering the poor quality of the food, service, and decor. read more

I'm not a hamburger lover but on this one occasion we were close and hungry and that area was limited in a choice of restaurants. Like a place from the series ''Happy Days'' there's booths and memorbilia from days gone by. We each had a hamburger that was very good and juicy, and that says a lot for a woman who almost hates hamburgers. We got out of there for about $40.00 (with 2 cokes & fries also). (No tipping as you order from the counter) very tasty! read more