Media & Awards
Big Plates. Big Mouths. Big Headlines.
Since 1926, we’ve been piling plates high — and racking up honors even higher.
Franks Diner didn’t set out to become famous. We just kept the coffee hot, the jokes flying, and the Garbage Plates coming. Turns out when you serve history with a side of sass, people take notice. Here’s where we’ve been featured, recognized, and celebrated — by everyone from morning news anchors to national food critics.
We Made the News – Without Even Trying
Franks Diner has proudly appeared in:
Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
(original episode and 2021 revisit on Triple D Nation)
The New York Times
Celebrated as a historic American diner
The Wall Street Journal
Spotlighting the enduring charm of classic diners
Thrillist
“One of the 21 Best Diners in America”
Tasting Table
“15 Best Diners in the Country”
LoveFood/iHeartRadio
“Best Diner for Breakfast in Wisconsin”
CBS 58 News
Featured for being Wisconsin’s oldest-running diner
TMJ4 News
Profiled for Franks’ national recognition
Travel Wisconsin
Highlighted as a must-visit culinary destination
Milwaukee Magazine
Called “cooler than your average diner”
Plus
WNPR, WBEZ, WTMJ Radio
and others
A Few Things the Critics Got Right
“Franks is legendary for more than just history — homemade breads, giant cinnamon rolls, and unforgettable breakfasts.”
“Way cooler than your average diner. A pilgrimage if you love real-deal breakfast.”
“Franks Diner’s journey from railcar to legend is what diner dreams are made of.”
“An institution since 1926, serving world-famous Garbage Plates and diner favorites.”
“Little has changed at Franks since the 1920s — and that’s a very, very good thing.”
A Little Hardware to Go With Your Hashbrowns
Awards & Honors List:
Best Diner for Breakfast in Wisconsin
LoveFood/iHeartRadio
Top 21 Best Diners in America
Thrillist
Top 15 Best Diners Nationwide
Tasting Table
Historic Landmark Recognition
City of Kenosha
Community Pride Recognition
City of Kenosha Mayor’s Office
Featured
Destination
Travel Wisconsin Official Guide
Daniel Travanti
Celebrities Love Franks Too
We don’t chase celebrities — they find us.
Over the decades, plenty of famous faces have squeezed into our booths and propped their elbows on our counter:
The Three Stooges
Lawrence Welk
Bela Lugosi
Duke Ellington
Liberace
Mark Ruffalo (Kenosha’s own)
Ron Magers
Tom Skilling
Members of The Monkees, Badfinger, and The Buckinghams
NFL players, coaches, and beyond
No fancy velvet ropes. No VIP rooms. Just coffee, garbage plates, and good old-fashioned Kenosha hospitality.
Topher Grace
Watch Us In Action
No fancy velvet ropes. No VIP rooms. Just coffee, garbage plates, and good old-fashioned Kenosha hospitality.
Randy Santel: Franks Diner’s Garbage Plate Breakfast Challenge w/ Pancakes in Kenosha, Wisconsin!!
Katina Eats Kilos: THE GARBAGE PLATE BREAKFAST CHALLENGE
