It's not an Ocean City family vacation without multiple trips to Kessel's! During our week at the…read moreshore, we visited Kessel's three times: takeout on our first night, ice cream mid-week, and an early dine-in dinner before heading home. As always, each of our three experiences this July were fantastic, with our last shining the most. We typically do take-out on night number one, and like in years past, the food is always ready on time and prepared as ordered. We ordered an array of items including Cheesesteaks, Chicken Caesar Wrap, Burgers, Grilled Cheese, Fries, and Onion Rings. Everyone enjoyed what they ordered. The line stretched around the side of the building the night we stopped for ice cream, but it moved quickly. Staff efficiently took orders, prepared cones and sundaes, and kept the line moving despite the large crowd. While take-out is always great from Kessel's, I will always prefer dining in! You really can't beat the old-school diner vibes and decor, and the service is outstanding. Julia, our server, did an incredible job with our party of 7. She was highly attentive, frequently checked in, and really added to our experience. My Cheesesteak Hoagie with hot peppers may have been my favorite thing I've ordered from Kessel's to date, but it's hard to go wrong with anything on the menu. The burgers and wraps are also solid choices. I also ordered a fresh Peach Sundae and I highly recommend! Julia even made my sundae herself in addition to waiting tables, and it tasted every bit as good as it looked. Absolutely picture-worthy! Kessel's is a cash-only establishment, but for seven people--including sandwiches, burgers, wraps, multiple orders of fries, and a few desserts--the total was just over $100. That's an incredible value especially at the Jersey Shore. Kessel's will always be a staple of our family vacations and continues to be a highlight for our nieces. If you've yet to experience breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just an ice cream sundae from this adorable, little, retro-feeling diner, please pay them a visit. I think you'll be glad you did.

The so-called Kessel's Korner wages war on man's senses from the very outset of one's foray into…read moreits hallowed halls. Be not afraid, for it is a necessary part of the process. It is normal to find oneself with a peculiar sense of being without time, and being within a coca-cola controlled dimension between ours and that of our forebears. It is crucial that you ignore any compunction to run screaming out the front door and onto the streets of Ocean City. I assure you, they are not there. What you see through those windows is an illusion to illicit comfort in your mortal mind. In actuality you have been removed to an extra-temporal imposition of Americana-kitsch. Once you have reconciled this fact and cleansed yourself of any unclean thoughts you may proceed to your booth, where you will order one cheeseburger and one strawberry milkshake. It is important that you order only these two items, as ordering any others will upset the delicate harmonics that weave our world with it. You will enjoy them. You will Pay. Only now will you be returned to our reality. It is an archaic anti-theft measure, but it is an effective one. You will leave. Be safe.

Visited TWICE at the end of Sept 2025 during my vacation with my husband. First time we had about a…read more30 min wait. Second time we had NO wait. Menu was excellent and the food was even better. I had the Apple Walnut waffle both times! Coffee is excellent and refills come around. ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: refills of hot water for hot tea. I recommend giving tea drinkers their own small CERAMIC teapots. Refills of hot water in the metal "creamer" containers does NOT cut it. Water does NOT stay hot.

My dad and I had a fantastic breakfast here! We like to try new places every summer and this one is…read morenow one of our favorites. Huge menu with great options, some of the best homefries in OCNJ, and very sweet staff. We loved sitting outside which was shady and cool even on a hot morning. We will be back!

Omg! Love this place! The bestin Ocean City!! Juices. Whips. Dinner. Special diets? No…read moreproblem! They accommodate. Delicious food ​

A yearly breakfast while at OC. Today included 4 bagel sandwiches- $7.5 for egg and cheese or $9.5…read moreincluding bacon, tomato, and onion. This sandwich is a banger... loaded with egg, and the bagels were fresh. It's a thorough meal. For those who would choose to eat outdoors in their seating area, beware seagulls. They are unabashed, air rats with bad intentions, and they will pillage your boots! Thumbs up to the Bashful Banana!