Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Knowlwood

    3.1 (699 reviews)
    Open 6:30 am - 9:30 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Order Knowlwood Takeout or Delivery

    Knowlwood Photos

    KNOWLWOOD ATMOSPHERE

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

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Knowlwood

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Daddy and daughter in front of Knowlwood
    Krystal G.

    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.

    Breakfast menu
    Jeannette R.

    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.

    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.

    Delicious food. Loved my grilled salmon tacos
    Aileen A.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    See all

    15 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Noah H.
    1
    65
    183

    9 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Liliana R.
    109
    34
    18

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of scott l.
    64
    88
    73

    17 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tim K.
    38
    36
    2

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Val H.
    65
    77
    35

    16 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rob M.
    8
    22
    2

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Brad B.
    269
    167
    669

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Seth B.
    42
    183
    106

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amy W.
    0
    14
    0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Brad A.
    79
    18
    2

    7 years ago

    This place is gross and out dated! The service is terrible and always gets my order wrong! The booths and seats are sticky.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lisa L.
    2
    131
    5

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of R G.
    0
    43
    5

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mia C.
    4
    110
    123

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mike W.
    1
    290
    45

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of M S.
    0
    36
    0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jeannie Q.
    411
    46
    243

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tootie Y.
    0
    138
    147

    4 years ago

    Knowlwood is an Irvine staple. it's withstood the crash and the pandemic! It has indoor and outdoor seating and all my favorites!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 8 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

    View All 2 Questions

    You might also consider

    Poached Kitchen

    Poached Kitchen

    4.3
    (1.5k reviews)
    4.2 mi
    $$
    Vegetarian friendly
    Locally sourced ingredients

    The service was amazing! Because you order at the counter various people wait on you. We could ask…read moreanybody for anything and they brought it right away. The food was delicious! I would recommend the nectarine pancakes. They were absolutely delicious! We ordered three different things being a party of three and shared. At the end of the meal, we asked for coffee and iced tea to go and they quickly fulfilled our request. I would definitely recommend and will go back again.

    I've been to Poached Kitchen in Irvine before and used to love it, but after my recent visit with…read moremy girlfriend, it's clear they've switched to a model that prioritizes turning tables over a good dining experience. We waited about 15 minutes in line, which is no big deal for a popular spot. But their new seating process is incredibly weird and unwelcoming. Instead of a host greeting you and walking you to a table, they call you up to the register to order and pay before you even get a chance to sit down or look at a menu. They basically just hand you a table number and tell you to go find it. There's zero hospitality--it feels like a transactional assembly line where they just want to herd you in and out. To be fair, the food is still decent and well-presented, but the overall quality has noticeably gone downhill compared to last year. It really feels like they are cutting corners to maximize profit. The atmosphere wasn't great either because they keep the doors wide open. A massive beetle flew in and spent the meal roaming free, eventually landing right behind my girlfriend, who is terrified of bugs. I know they can't entirely control a bug flying inside, but it just added to a stressful, chaotic environment. The worst part was how rushed we felt at the end. We weren't even fully finished eating when a staff member rushed over and took our plates away. My girlfriend actually still had a piece of her waffle left, but they grabbed it so quickly she was too shy to speak up. It's really disheartening to feel completely unwanted when you're spending your hard-earned money. Poached Kitchen used to be a lovely experience, but they really need to rethink this new model and start focusing on quality over quantity. I won't be rushing back.

    Photos
    Poached Kitchen
    Poached Kitchen
    Poached Kitchen

    See all

    Everyday Eatery

    Everyday Eatery

    4.4
    (1.4k reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$
    Healthy dining
    Hipster vibe

    I'm always skeptical of such a highly rated brunch spot. Bc brunch food is easy to make but is it…read morereally THAT good here? Answer is yes! Wait time was perfect. Wasn't too long. All of our food came out fresh. I had the scramble and side salad. Salad was fresh and just enough dressing on it. I tried my friend's lemon ricotta hotcakes and it was sooooo good. Perfectly fluffy. Great lemon flavor and that butter they make is to die for. Don't get it if you are borderline diabetic. Get something else. Bc you'll want to eat more and more. But it's the perfect amount of sweet. It's not overpowering. I also ordered their seasonal ube matcha latte and that was delicious. Service was friendly. And one of the girls was seen scrubbing clean a toddler high chair. Most places have sticky high chairs. Seeing her wipe and scrub it down in all the creases let me know this place is well taken care of. Glad we stopped by.

    Their coffee is honestly worth the wait during peak hours. All their lattes especially the Spanish…read morelatte, I will suffer through parking for. Parking is the absolute worst. The plaza itself is one straight line with a Starbucks in the middle of it. Nightmare to get in and out of. Hope you have your legs still after walking to and from your car with the way people drive in this parking lot. Their food is sooo mid. I've tried their lunch items. I've tried their breakfast. I don't get it. It's not even mid, I'm sorry. At least it's better than Denny's.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    The Essentials Plate
    The Essentials Plate
    Bacon Breakfast Burrito

    See all

    Bacon Breakfast Burrito
    Maldon’s Brasserie

    Maldon’s Brasserie

    4.5
    (387 reviews)
    5.3 mi
    $$

    You wouldn't guess it by looking at the broad selection of delicious dishes on the menu, but this…read moreplace is entirely gluten-free (& celiac friendly). The brunch was excellent and I highly recommend the chilaquiles (add the pulled pork!) and the cinnamon bun. The service and ambiance were top notch. It feels like you're in a European cafe or in someone's home, it's just that relaxed and cozy. We were able to enjoy a very leisurely meal and were attentively taken care of the entire time. A real welcome change of pace from the fast-turn mantra of other concepts.

    They closed Feb 15…read more We came here Feb 13. They had a paper on a podium written about their closure. And I truly believe that they are not really made out to be a full-service restaurant as much as I like their dedication and drive. I had a reservation at 7 pm. I checked in at 6:45 pm. At 7:25 pm, they brought us in and did not have a table ready for us. They made a table then after a table left 15 minutes later, they rearranged us. I do not understand why you offer reservations if you will not actually honor the system. Around 8 pm, we asked if we could order as they had only brought water. Listen I understand. You're closing soon. You only had 1 server for the entire restaurant the weekend of Valentines. You have to go lean on the busiest last weekend ..? I don't actually understand. When all came to, they were not offering dessert because "they were saving it for Valentine's Day". No notification about when their kitchen closed and no asks if anybody wanted to order for to-go. On top of that, everyone did not have free parking and had to pay upon exit even with validation. You will do great as a ghost kitchen since the food was good and everyone enjoyed it. If you come back as a full service, I would seriously reconsider how you do business.

    Photos
    Braised short rib sandwich
    Braised short rib sandwich
    Menu (1/2)
    Menu (1/2)
    Menu (2/2)

    See all

    Menu (2/2)
    Lion and Lamb Coffee Roasters

    Lion and Lamb Coffee Roasters

    4.6
    (987 reviews)
    6.5 mi
    $

    Fantastic coffee. I tried the toffee latte and the chocolate…read morechip cookie. The coffee shop is huge and a lot of sitting. It wasn't busy but I'm sure it does. There was no food menu so I didn't know they served food??? The cookie tasted old and not fresh at all. I gave it 5 stars because the coffee was outstanding. Love it!!!

    What is not to love about this spot?…read more Easy and free parking for as long as you need it? Sign me up! Extensive drinks menu. I love love love their matcha and actually get my at-home espresso beans here. They are perfectly roasted and the espresso comes out smooth. I also have had their avocado toast. It is so good but I never finish it haha because it is big. Totally worth to try. They have large tables which are perfect to host coworking sessions or just to come and work. I think I've only had like a small instance where the internet got a little slow but other than that this is a pleasant spot to visit. You can also rent a study/conference room from the church. I sent a message before because I needed a spot to do my final oral exam virtually. There is a small fee but unfortunately no one got back to me. There is a QR code that takes you to a site where you fill out a form to request the space. Now, these requests are handled specifically by the church not the coffee spot. Although it is in the same area. The staff is super friendly. The restrooms are always clean. Handicap friendly. Not necessarily kid friendly because a lot of people come here to study and work, and its also all concrete and hazards for the small ones, but I have seen people do like babies on strollers type of gathering.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    AVO TOAST W/MARINATED EGGS! - Love this!!!  and a SALTED TOFFEE LATTE
    AVO TOAST W/MARINATED EGGS! - Love this!!! and a SALTED TOFFEE LATTE
    SALTED TOFFEE LATTE, with a little extra love from the barista - Perfect!

    See all

    SALTED TOFFEE LATTE, with a little extra love from the barista - Perfect!

    Knowlwood - burgers - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...