Great Chicken Sandwich! Fast and friendly service and a real cool place with that vintage vibe

definitely a hidden gem. i can't believe i didn't know about this place, especially since it's only 10 minutes from my house. not sure why the rating is only three stars, but it's everything you would want in a casual diner. huge space, cheap food, and unique! we ordered the quesadilla with chicken, sweet potato fries, and the burger. everything was pretty good and would come back. read more

Knowlwood - Burgers Near Me - Irvine, California

The last Knowlwood standing and going strong! We've been going here for decades, the menu is a classic and it's the same delicious bite over and over again. I highly recommend the patty melt or tuna melt, and you can't go wrong with a massive side of either fried mushrooms, onion rings or fried zucchini. Breakfast is served all day here! And at the time of this review they even had a boysenberry shake (so good) that is VERY hard to find. All in all the barn feel here is fantastic, service is quick and you will definitely be feeling like you left Irvine for Montana once you get in. Saddle up for a memorable time at the last Knowlwoods that's still packs a punch and delivers every time! read more

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Crazy that this place has only three stars! Been here before but this last experience was so great! Ordered the Frisco Burger, the chicken Caesar salad and the quesadilla kids meal. Also a boysenberry shake. Everything was great quality especially the salad! Had lots of chicken and it was good quality and came out hot like it should. The kids quesadilla came with a choice of beef or chicken which I thought was a great value. Everything was a great value here and the portion sizes were generous. The employees were very friendly and attentive when we approached the counter, and were very knowledgeable about the menu. You can tell they care. The actual restaurant itself is a time capsule of a simpler time and is a little rundown in a way that I think enhances the ambiance even more. So many cool historical items to look at. Overall Knowlwood embodies classic America from the service to the value to the actual vibes of the building. My family and I will definitely be coming back! read more

3.5 stars if you are feeling desperate (but this should not be a thing in Irvine, because the food choices here are incredible)... My co-workers wanted to eat here and yes, we were in and out within an hour, so there's that... I got the world's best hamburger, per the employee's recommendation and while it was yes, good, I cannot say if it was the world's best... Haha I will say the ambiance inside shook me- it wassssss pretty magical, in a trashy way... Parking is very easy, seeing as it is near the 5 freeway and next to a... Denny's... read more

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Yikes! Not a good experience. We dropped in to Knowlwood for dinner after reading that it was under new ownership (the previous 2 visits were not good, so we stopped going). My order, the Frisco Burger was a dismal failure. The bread was so soft and soggy I couldn't pick it up, so I ate it with a fork (and I ordered this with no lettuce or tomato as I know those make burgers soggy) . I should have just walked away. The meat was tough and overall a serious disappointment. We have been Knowlwood customers for decades and have sadly seen the decline. I did enjoy watching the line dancing class. But the food? No. read more

Knowlwood - Burgers Near Me - Irvine, California

The burgers were decent, the service was pretty fast and location was easy to find. The ambiance was pretty cool with all the old decorations. read more

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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.. read more

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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. read more

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Came here for breakfast with the family. Loved the decor inside. Want to come back for lunch or dinner. The plates are served good portions. Loved the skillet! The french toast combo looked good too. Service was good, ordered first at the counter and food came out quickly. Will be back. read more

Knowlwood - Breakfast menu - Burgers Near Me - Irvine, California

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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. read more

Knowlwood - These cookies are a freaking $1.29 each - Burgers Near Me - Irvine, California

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. read more

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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. read more

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Drove up to go to Denny but my husband saw Knowlwood so we came in. As I walked up I said we been here before. Turnout when we saw the car inside it brought back memories that we did come here before for lunch maybe over 15 years ago. There was a live performer playing and singing great music. It was 7:30pm , It was not busy but slow just a few people but the place is so homey. A barn building atmosphere with tables and booths. A pool table. Large TV for watching sports etc. there is a party just playing board games. My husband and I dinner just we just hung out in our booth and listen to music. We are waiting for our daughter to finish her event down the street. I had the chilli cheese dog. My husband had chilli burger. We shared half order of onions rings. The young lady behind the counter taking our order "Liana" was very welcoming and nice. We left at 8:30 and more people came in. read more

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First time visiting here. Will definitely go back here. Delicious Steak Plate, Grilled Salmon Tacos & Bacon Cheeseburger. Loved the service and ambiance of the place. There is also live band. Thank you Gilda for making us feel welcome. There is also a billiard while waiting for your order. Will recommend this place. read more

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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. read more

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Dear New Owmer of Knowlwood, We have been coming here for 30 years. We came back this morning because we heard Knowlwood. It had been purchased and we were a new renewed Knowlwood. Instead of finding a new cleaner, better Knowlwood, we found the same depressing disrepaired Knowlwood with a few more string lights. You ned to fix the following if you want people to return: Power wash the patio cover , it's disgusting Buy some new patio furniture and get rid of the rusty , broken and rotted furniture that is there now. Take down all the poster and dirty flags, no in Irvine cares about Kona big wave. The inside smells and the floor is not clean. Buy new menus . Don't ketchup packets to customers sitting outside , ie train your staff ! Buy a leaf blower . Make sure your tables aren't sticky, that's gross. As we as we sat here, we watch people walk up to the patio and turn away and go to Denny's, which is next-door. this is an iconic location with a great patio, but if you don't correct these things soon, your investment will be worthless. I hope you take these comments as constructive criticism and restore Knowlwood to its former glory. Your neighbor read more

Just found out there's a new owner!!! A whole different positive energy is felt as you enter the front door. Hamburger was delicious. I'll be back. read more

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! read more

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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. read more

Knowlwood - NOT a good burger. Bland - Burgers Near Me - Irvine, California

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All the employees here are super friendly and helpful. The environment has a cute and kitschy old-time vibe. The food was tasty and well prepared. The staff was really helpful with all my vegetarian modification requests . Such a fun experience! Will definitely be back again! read more

When did this place decline like this? Yikes! The place is absolutely filthy with sticky tables and benches, the food is bland and our toast had mold on it. We literally each had a bite of our of our breakfast and it was absolutely inedible. I used to come here many years ago when I lived near it and I remember it having pleasant food and clean environment. Please do better! read more

Excelente service by Alex and all the employees fast service and good food reason prices

This was my first time going to Knowlwood and I could not have been more impressed. I was stunned at how inexpensive the menu was and very 0"pleased with the quality of the food. I had a delicious and very flavorful veggie burger. It is also worth mentioning that every person working there was friendly, helpful and patient which is always appreciated. Well done! read more

Good chessburger French fries and all types of sandwich good price nice place with live music read more

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I've been coming here for about two years.And have always enjoyed the fair prices and nice customer service. It seems that there has been a ownership turnover or management.Because my last visit was far less than satisfactory. They have wine listed on the board at $5.50, but charged me $8.62 with tax. When I inquired about the discrepancy, the cashier responded that the board is old and the menu is being updated, "as we speak." I mean come on. A menu should represent the actual prices that are charged. I believe this is not even legal. My friend had the same issue and insisted they comp her back on her food to make up for the overcharge. The burger came cold, and without the cheese as requested. I don't understand what happened? Does anyone know what has changed? Very disappointed. read more

A few months ago, I've attended a business networking event for the first time. I loved the historic ambience. The food is fresh with a good quality. All employees and the owner are very friendly. Since then, whenever I have a business meeting, I go there. I highly recommend this place. read more

This restaurant is a favorite of my partner & I. The food is great, the prices are reasonable, & there is outdoor seating, which is nice on a sunny day. We have never been disappointed with the quality of the food! read more

This place has good food, and I found out they served onion rings here. Basically I always knew this place existed but never dined here for some reason. This place is clean but extremely old feeling, like you don't require a tetanus shot just to use the restroom or anything. It's just an old building where the floor boards shift kinda funny, and things break as time passes. I'll tell you one thing that ain't broken, the kitchen and workers are on point. I ordered some "best burger" thing and it was awesome, also got fries. I took my friend here, we were supposed to eat at Denny's but I mentioned that I've always been here but never ate at Knowlwood, so we ate here. The only thing I regret was not ordering onion rings, I love onion rings. The workers are friendly, the food is great, the place looks tacky and the customers are expected to be rude because it's in Irvine but I had a good time here. This place is great, that is all. read more

Housed in one of the few true historic buildings in Irvine, family breakfast at Knowlwood feels like one of the few things that got my teenagers out of bed on a Sunday morning. It's barely changed over the years and I'm so glad it hasn't. My wife and I typically split a Scramble or the California Omelette and the Breakfast Burrito almost always gets ordered by at least one of the kids. Lunches and dinners are also treats; be sure to include something special like an Ice Cream Float and/or the Irish Nachos. read more

Knowlwood - Menu Board - Burgers Near Me - Irvine, California

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My recommendation is to come for the decor with low expectations on the food. I really wanted to like Knowlwood, but the food was very underwhelming. What went well: -Super cute decor and overall vibe (but slightly disjointed) -Loving the stage with disco ball and all the things to look at -Great pool table -Delicious fries and ranch -Great prices What can be improved: -BLT - bacon was not crispy (as requested) and the mayo or spread was really overpowering - the sandwich itself just did not taste great -Fried Zucchini - all around strange -French Dip - could barely eat it - not flavorful I'm always happy to try somewhere new and in this case I might go back for the fries. I'm also really curious about their shakes too. read more

Knowlwood - Loving the vintage vibes - Burgers Near Me - Irvine, California

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Great service, food, and ambiance! This place is very nostalgic for my family and I. Glad there is still a Knowlwood's open that we can go to. read more

The service absolutely sucked today. The root beer was out. I asked him to change it. I stood there waiting over 10 minutes. Come to find out. The machine is malfunctioning and no one told me.. Also, I requested my breakfast burrito to be cut in half they failed to do that. This is not how I remember this location. Customer service has really gone to the trash. read more

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

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

In the area for business and a coworker and I made the drive to Laguna Beach. We wanted to grab a bite on our way back towards Whittier. There was lots of traffic and we were hoping to eat and wait out the traffic a bit, but we had already left Laguna Beach. A quick search showed this on our route. Finding it was very easy and it's a nice lil theme concept, very well decorated with a comfortable feel. This is a fast food kind of vibe - you order at the counter, get your food when its called and find seating where you like. They have tables, booths and a nice lil patio out front. I was really hungry and not quite sure what I wanted... Pictures online showed the burgers were big like restaurant style and that's not my preference so I went with a cajun chicken sandwich, no tomato, sauce on the side, an order of sweet potato fries and an order of fried zucchini (had to try it!). Coworker did get the regular burger (not 8oz) and it was a normal thin style burger, so I think the big one must be the 8oz version. My chicken sandwich came out with tomato, no big deal I removed it, it was 2 pieces of chicken and juicy. The bun was not desirable - maybe whole wheat? Overall I did ate everything, but I felt like it was good, not great. Not quite "good fast food" level. That's the main reason for 3 stars versus 5. Everything is priced separate (like no combo meals) so I would've preferred it be great for the price. I had a dessert craving so I did try to order a milkshake to go for the road when we were leaving, sadly they were out of ice cream :( Note to include that service was good. The employee who took our order was friendly and kind. She was patient while I asked questions and made some recommendations which I appreciated. Would I eat here again? - absolutely if I was in the same situation I was in on this day. Would I go specifically to eat at this restaurant? not likely... read more

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

Wow, how have things changed and not for the better. I ordered the fried fish sandwich and and half zucchini sticks. The sandwich bun was burned. I paid $4.69 for half an order of zucchini sticks. Check out the picture to see the sandwich and amount of zucc's I got. My mom ordered a chili size. The beef patty tasted strange, not bad but different. Upon inspection the patty looked like it contain TVP. We won't be going here again read more

Knowlwood - Burn sandwich bun and $4.65 worth of zucchini sticks - Burgers Near Me - Irvine, California

The grilled white fish sandwich was moist and delicious. The staff are very welcoming. Highly recommend. read more

The Frisch burger was delicious, the patty was juicy and hot off the grill. Fish and chip are good and I highly recommend them. Fried and zucchini sticks were okay, but the onions ring were amazing. Staff was nice and friendly. Park can be a bit tight. read more

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