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    Knowlwood

    3.1 (707 reviews)
    Open 6:30 am - 8:30 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Order Knowlwood Takeout or Delivery

    Knowlwood Photos

    Business Info

    KNOWLWOOD ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Knowlwood

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    Reviews With Photos

    Frank P.

    First time at this location, I remember going to the old location many moons ago. This place is really cool they have a pool table, they have live music, and car shows. I had a bacon cheeseburger, and mushrooms. The food was really good. Im a fan of mushrooms not many places have them. The service was good. I would definitely return.

    Let's see if it really is the worlds best...
    Joyce Y.

    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...

    Chill breakfast place
    T J.

    This place is great for breakfast. Chill fun diner vibe. Bathroom is bad though. Food wise, this place has pancakes and they deliver the food to your table if you get there early otherwise you pick it up at the window and they have all sorts of options for kids and cool stuff on the walls, and you can swap out cod cheese for the hashbrowns if you want. No problem. A new tradition for us!

    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.

    Megan S.

    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.

    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.

    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..

    Joey A.

    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!

    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.

    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.

    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.

    Filthy napkin dispenser

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    2 years ago

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    6 months ago

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

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    5 months ago

    Liana is a very good server at Knowlwood, she greets everyone with a beautiful smile and she's very good at what she does

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    5 months ago

    Great food, service and burgers. Enjoyed the vibe and will definitely go back. Great turkey burger.

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    2 years ago

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    6 months ago

    Had a really good burger and onion rings. Our server Liana was very friendly and the ambiance was great. Cute place to have dinner.

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    8 months ago

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    9 months ago

    I've eaten Mexican food in Orange County for 50 years and had the best chicken quesadilla ever at Knollwood in Irvine yesterday.

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    Page 2 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… 

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    Knowlwood - burgers - Updated September 2026

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