Kewpee Sandwich Shop

They make their own soda. The burgers are good on a basis bun. The crinkle cut fries are very good. The cheese sandwich lacks as it isn't grilled and is more like one where the bread is just toasted without butter. The hot chocolate is good also. Remember bring cash or have an ATM accessable account. The retro dining area alone is worth a visit. They now close at 2 on Monday also.

Great sandwich counter to grab a hot burger and fries! This historic restaurant has been in Racine since the 1930s and still serves up great food! The atmosphere can be a little chaotic at lunchtime, but the burgers and fries are well worth it! Their hours are limited, so I would call ahead or check their website.

Kewpee serves a hamburger that pound for pound is one of the beefiest tasting burgers I’ve had. Simple toppings but the flavors just come together. That griddle works magic. Do not miss out on the chili, REAL homemade flavor with nice chunks of meat and tomato. Perfectly cooked fries, nice portion. I also tried the fish sandwich for the first time and although it wasn’t fancy, it was piping hot and crispy and didn’t have any metallic taste like a McDonalds fillet o fish. I’m getting it again for sure because I like following a cheeseburger with a fish sandwich. Finally don’t forget the root beer, which is nice and smooth, great balance between the licorice and molasses flavors. Perfect amount of carbonation. The place is often very busy, even on weekdays. Bring cash.

I just went here for the first time. I must say that all the hype escapes my experience. First, the menu online stated prices that were less than half of what the actual prices are. Second, the $6 double cheeseburger was smaller than a Burger King double cheese burger while somehow being less juicy and tasty. BK is a low bar for me. The Root Beer was watery even though I got it with no ice. I also got a vanilla shake that was not up to anyone else's standards for quality. Any culvers will give you everything I bought here in a better quantity, far better quality, and lower price. Service was neither inviting or poor. I put one star for atmosphere, but that's just a personal taste thing. Some people might like the decor. I'm really sorry that this sandwich shop did not stand up to the hype that I was led to believe. Everyone I talked to absolutely loves this place, but I have no idea why. Maybe I just caught it on a bad day.

Ummm, you get how much food for how little $ ? Super good burgers were juicy with great toppings. Fries were piping hot and crispy. Root beer was very delicious. Server was great and the food came out wicked fast. Best part was the four of us all ate and were super full for $25 which is a steal these days. Cheers

The staff are SUPER friendly & hard working! Our server was great! We watched the cook making our burgers, which were delicious. My only critique is that it's location isn't super convenient & there has been some criminal activity in the area, but we had no issues. The interior is cute with all the kewpie decorations.

It’s cash only but there is a ATM inside. Great burger place! Love the crinkle fries but the Root beer is the best!!

Been way too long since I’ve visited, but living in Madison makes that difficult. Just the best dang burgers around, and at great prices. Can’t even get a burger at Culver’s for the same price of a burger, fries, and root beer at Kewpee’s!

great food, home made root beer amazing!! one snaffoo no table service today, word it's a labor issue... Def come back!!

I'm from LA and I've traveled a lot, this place was great! Kewpee OG DANG ! Heck yeah! Come down Super cute diner, everything stayed classic but well maintained, it's historical! The original KEWPEE! Come for the food, come to take pics! Food and service was great. Would come back

Unique establishment, offering fresh made burgers. Private parking lot. Order at the counter and grab a seat.

Some of the best burgers I have had since mazos there inside was great and the food was fresh the service was amazing

Fun AND delicious. Can't get much more old-timey than Kewpee. Take a seat at the counter or table, the server takes your order from a VERY short choice of items, and this delightful smash burger will be in front of you in minutes. Or less. Added a monster size (only one size) order of hot, salty, fresh crinkle cut fries to the burger, and their house-made root beer, creamy and "rooty." Lunch for two, less than $10. No kidding. Worth a stop.

Remember folks, it's about the food! The food is amazing which means this place is packed!! Especially during lunch! Plenty of meter parking around the block, well worth the small stroll to get in line with the crowd. Patience. This team has been handling these hungry crowds for years and they are very efficient! And they do it with a smile and are extremely pleasant, friendly, and professional!!! I ordered a double cheeseburger, fries, root beer and a strawberry shake. Cannot wait to go back for seconds.

This place has really gone down hill. Stopped in for lunch. No table service even though they had plenty of staff standing around doing nothing. Had two women talking on their speaker phones right behind me the whole time I was there. Why is this accepted behavior? Had a creepy guy working with the cook that did a lot of standing around and staring at the customers. The girls behind the counter ignored people waiting to order to finish their gossiping. Burgers were a sloppy mess. Fries undercooked. Place smelled like urinal cakes. Time to shut it down or find a new owner who gives a shit.

What a cool place. The service was quick, and accurate. The food was classic burgers. Place was decorated with kewpee dolls

Overview: I've been a patron of this place for years. Like others have stated, it is a burger staple in the city of Racine. If you want vegan, non-meat or don't like greasy food at all, this isn't the place for you. Want cheap eats, burgers,French fries, and root beer floats?! Try this place. Food: Best known for their burgers and root beer/root beer floats. Personally, burgers paired with their crinkly fries and a root beer is all I've ordered from there. The burgers are small, yet tasty. The food has always been cheap, even now in 2022, it's still cheap. Service: Eh. In my opinion, the customer service is a hit or miss. Since the pandemic; however, it's been more of a miss. They're always super busy and have limited staff, so I try to overlook the bad days. Since the pandemic, the staffing issues, like other restaurants, have been increased. They rarely accept phone orders, could be randomly closed due to not having staff, or close for a full hour in the middle of the day then open back up. Value: super cheap! Check my pictured receipt for the cost of two people to eat. Please note: this is a 'cash only' place. They do have an ATM inside for those that do not carry cash, but in 2022, I feel like all establishments should accept cards. Come on now, we're not asking for you to accept bitcoin, just cards. Ambiance: set up like a retro style diner. Limited seating. Walls feature a bunch of weird 'Kewpee dolls' and history about the restaurant. The interior could definitely use a face lift, but it only seems like they update the exterior. Location: Located in downtown Racine, WI. The private parking lot is extremely small with limited parking. 520 Wisconsin Ave, Racine, WI 53403 You can try to call your order in ahead of time, but again, they may not accept it due to staffing issues.

This was exactly what they said. We had fried and a burger. Root beer was amazing! Old time restaurant prices!

Great dive. Just sit down and the server will take your order. Double burger is more filling, but you can enjoy a single burger. They are smashed patties and have raw onions as one of the toppings. Grilled onions is an extra charge. The vibes are good. Food comes out hot and tastes fresh made. The place looks closed but come on in and you'll see how busy it is.

Spent a day in the area & this retro dinner was recommended. We had burgers, chicken sandwich & toasty cheese. Nothing outstanding. Place is kitschy for sure & popular among many!

Vary good burgers, chicken tenders, and good root beer floats but it feels like they are never open and when it is open it is packed good service though.

Eaten at Kewpees for over 40 years. Now live 30 miles away and we still went there until the past three times. No service at tables or counters. They have costomers packed at the front door in front of the one girl at the register who takes your order, then continue to stand elbow to elbow with all kinds. Luchtime even worse. Staff is gossiping or on their cell phones, doing very little, some just standing and staring. I watched the girl pull fries out of the oil never draining or saking the basket. Proceeded to load bags with soaked fries. Gross and very oily, undercooked. Hamburgers are thrown together most mustard and catsup on the side of the bum, meat half off the bun. The place has really gone down hill in past couple of years. Owner is the cook, he doesn't manage or care only turns to count heads. No one trained the help as they are rude, sloppy girls with airpods in their ears.. Wife and I refuse to go anymore. Many times you go and they are closed. They won't answer the phone ever. Just a recording stating that they're open when many times they were'nt. Open sign that hangs outside by the roofline has been broke for over a year. You have to park, walk up to the door to finf a sheet of printer paper on the glass that says closed. Place needs an owner who cares instead of counting customers heads and pay for quality help.

So good. Burger and fries under $10. Bring cash though. Need more kewpee burger places.

Should be 4.5 stars ,great burgers and fries, malts and rootbeer .sometimes even have breakfast. Been going there for 50 + years

Best cheeseburger in the US. I've been coming here for 60 years and I currently live in the Madison area. I will drive the two hours to Racine to get a couple of double cheeseburgers and then drive home. It is well worth four hours of driving. There is simply no better cheeseburger in this country. Period! tom griffith/verona, wisc.

This place has been a staple of Racine. Been going there regularly since I was a kid. Best burgers and Fries. Love their Root Beer. Highly recommended, give it a try.

What can I say about Kewpee's...... Racine wouldn't be Racine without a few tried and true restaurants that stand alone, in their own league. Kewpee's is one of those places where you have to go at least once, but I can guarantee that once you enter this "historic" Racine establishment, you'll be greeted with smiles and laughter and burgers and fries will be flying, you will be back. Eventually. We all return home.

Wow, what a great burger! I was told I had to come here by the locals, and now I totally understand why. I got the traditional double cheeseburger and it was awesome. I also couldn't believe how low the prices are. The atmosphere is kind of weird (it's kewpee doll themed), and although the staff was busting their tails, they were only moderately friendly. I am never a fan of "cash-only" restaurants, but the burger was so great, all is forgiven. If Kewpee took credit cards, I would give this review 5-stars. I will definitely be back!

I'd be in trouble if this place was closer to me. An excellent tasting burger, nothing fancy but just good. I'd compare it to Five Guys in terms of size, taste, style, but without the sesame seed bun. Meat was juicy, ratios were perfect. The difference, however, between Five Guys and Kewpees is the price, which is why I'd be in trouble if I lived closer. This double cheese was $4.50, nearly half the price of Five Guys. Fries were Kringle cut, nothing fancy but a perfect compliment to the burger. If in Racine, make sure to swing by Kewpees!

Absolutely love eating here! I just wish the phone would work consistently considering all the to go orders they recieve.

The big dream of the monopoly Steak & Shake come to reality. I would probably give this joint 4 stars but the low prices pushed me for the fifth. What separates it from Steak & Shake are the prices and 1920's family business history (and the spooky doll). Where can you find a quality burger for $1.35 (+ 25 cents for WI cheese)?! The ground beef comes each morning right from the local farms (it's not stored in the freezer for more than a day) and is beat to be nice and tender. OK Sprecher, your local Racine diner has brought on Root Beer competition. Each cup is homemade (and the flavor proves it) and is unlimitedly refilled til you get a beer belly! Then again, if you're not a root beer fan, go for a malt milk shake. After all, Wisconsin was the first place to create malted milk (or so they deem). While their tiny baby doll logo is adorable, it also freaks me out a bit when it covers every inch of the diner. I sit at the end of the winding counter, next to the garbage, to easily throw each hamburg (they don't add the -er here) doll wrapper in the tin. Kewpee is classic yet seems to fit perfectly in the Racine. Everyone is super friendly and will sit right next to you to chat. Oh and you may have to compete over the few parking lots slots, or give in a pay a meter.

I love this Racine Classic! The place is full of vintage glory! It's cute and odd all in one. The Kewpee Dolls lined the walls in a glass case. A bit odd but it works. The counter seating that fills the room's center is very low - almost like a dollhouse. The staff is top notch. They get busy and know what they are doing. Tons of take out lunch orders keep the kitchen staff BUSY. We went for a late lunch after the rush and ate in at a table. The burgers and fries are AMAZING! Don't forget to order a root beer in a big glass mug. I look forward to visiting this time capsule of a diner when I come back to Racine to see my family.

Bring cash, but not a lot of it. Pop a squat at the counter and order yourself a cheeseburger, fries, and a root beer that'll set you back a staggering $5 maybe. Don't let the price fool you as the quality is surprisingly good. This place is a Racine staple and blast from the past. I stop here every time I can when I'm in downtown Racine. Sure hope it's here to stay another several decades.

I always stop there for a burger when I'm in town. It has changed a bit from when I was a kid back in the 70's and 80's. The burgers are still good but not as good as they the old KewPee's.

At this point it hard to get in at lunch time. They don't take call in orders as of yet. So I came in at 10:00 a.m. Never disappointed! They must stay open forever!

I can say for the first time in 20 years the meal, double burger and fries, didn't meet my expectations. The meat was dry and the fries were different....a cheeper version from the crinkles we knew and loved. Hopefully, this was a one time disappointment, my finances only allows two.

Keepee is an iconic burger place that has memories of the past. A group of paperboys would catch a ride downtown Saturday mornings to pay our paper bills, then on to Keepees for a 15 cent hamburger and a 5 cent root beer. Life seemed so simple in 1960. The original building has been replaced, but somehow still exudes the charm of past.

This is a place my father has always taken me to since I was a little guy. Racine has always been a bit of a hike, but it's the home of Kewpee's which has made it always worth the trip. The burgers are pretty small, and they come out fast, so you'll probably want to eat two maybe three. My father always suggested you order only one at a time.But he would say: "Now boys, you gotta be thinking, when that burger comes, will I want another one?" And with Kewpee's, the answer usually is a yessssss!

Rolling through Racine Wisconsin we saw Kewpee and had to check it out. The place was steady busy and we were fortunate enough to get a table quick. The menu was an old board with amazing prices. A single hamburger was a Buck Seventy! Some ordered shakes and malts, I had the root beer (which was great). Fries are very large portions (an order can feed two). The burgers need their own paragraph. Burgers, delicious in every way, simple, perfectly toasted buns, juicy beef patties, mustard, pickle, & did I say delicious in every way? The double is to die for, and the staff is very friendly despite being super busy! I did find out that there is one in Lima Ohio so that's somewhat closer to me, awesome! If you are close, give it a shot, you will not be disappointed! One of the best quick burgers ever!

Divey goodness. Greasy burgers, root beer floats, and French fries; you won't be disappointed. Tips: cash only and the French fry portions are huge. I love this place.

This place is another cult classic with a simple menu where the food is just done right. The food is affordable and exactly what you do expect from a diner line this! Can't complain about the service as food came fast and hot! Recommend the fries and the shakes!

Wow! What a legend!! I have known Kewpee's all my life. Now we live in TN and always make a pilgrimage to the Mecca of burge

Like going back in time to my childhood in corner burger joints in Chicago. Great malts!

I've been a regular customer since I was a wee one. Now I take my child and family here!

Great local burger spot. Took my grandson there, so that's four generations of our family to go there. Had cheese burgers, fries, root-beer and a chocolate malt. All were very good! Hot crispy fries, juicy fresh burgers, cold root-beer, thick creamy malt.

Average or below average food. below average service. Great part of town to go if you're asking to be mugged or jacked!!

I personally don't like their food, it's too bland for me. I like my burgers juicy and flavorful. Maybe I'll give them 1 more chance, because it has been awhile. .

What. is. a. Kewpee?! I had to find out. And its as strange as you can imagine. I'll leave it at that, you need to find out on your own. That being said. They serve good, cheap burgers, fries, and root beer.. and they serve it fast. I stopped in for a quick bite and was finished in under 20 minutes.

Perfect old time sit at the counter and order kind of place. You MUST get a frosty mug of root beer! The burger was perfect!

Man, that was a fast short trip. We loved Kewpee when we first visited in the summer of 2017 after moving to Wisconsin. But each visit since has been a little more disappointing. Lunch yesterday convinced us to finally give up. It just wasn't any fun. All the workers seemed grim and unhappy, and that put us in a foul mood too. So in addition to noticing that the food wasn't quite what it used to be, we also noticed for the first time how creepy all those dolls in the display case actually are. The root beer was still good, but we were almost ready to go before the server came by with a refill. And she skipped my wife altogether who had paid $3.15 for a root beer float. And there wasn't a single "sweetheart" or "honey" anywhere in sight. This is all very sad. But in our experience, when restaurant workers seem this unhappy, it's usually due to some gross assholery on the part of management. So while disappointed, we still left one last decent tip.

I came here with my husband & his aunt and uncle because his uncle read about it in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel a few months ago. It is kind of like a little hole in the wall diner that is sparsely decorated except for a big display of kewpie dolls (which I can't stand). There is a menu behind the counter on the wall. That is the only menu in the place (so make sure you look at that before you sit down). The food comes out fairly quickly. The burgers are pretty good but nothing special. I got the chili and it was decent. They make their own root beer. Everyone at my table enjoyed the root beer but I didn't. I don't know what it is but I didn't like the taste....I prefer Sprecher's Root Beer but to each it's own. Would I make a special trip just to come here? No. But would I come here if I was pass by? Sure...I guess it helps that it's super cheap. Just an FYI - they don't do grilled onions...only raw onions on your burger.

Kewpees is an excellent stop for fantastic burger and fries. I usually get the Double Cheeseburger and french fries. Occasionally I will get a strawberry shake as well. The burger is cheesy and greasy and absolutely amazing!! Also, the prices are super low! Don't expect much from the servers....Remember you are here for the food, not the service. You will notice 1920's decor with dolls around the walls. It's fascinating to read about the business and how it all started and changed throughout the years! If you like great burgers and fries at an amazing price....Come to Kewpees.

Holy throwback, Batboy! This place is frozen in time, in a good way. It's a bit difficult to find if you are an out of towner, but it's worth the stop. You don't believe me? Yeah, I have 3 words for you - homemade root beer. The fella took me to see the Johnson Wax building for Christmas a few years ago and I did some research, turning up this place as a top choice for lunch. We had to drive around for awhile and had nearly given up when we stumbled upon it. I am so glad we persevered - fan-freaking-tastic burgers, fries, shakes, the aforementioned root beer, all in this really adorable building to boot. Photo op city, big time, this place is filthy with Kewpie dolls and the ephemera of yesteryear. It really feels like you've been transported back in time. Cheap, scary cheap, delicious cheap. Lunch for two, with burgers, fries, a root beer float and a shake was about $12.00. Lots of regulars, which is no surprise, as the food is so damn good. As Julia W. noted, they grind the meat every day - this is the freshest, tastiest meat I've ever encountered. Just enough seasoning in the meat, great toppings, fresh buns and cooked to order...I'm salivating just thinking about it. The fries were crisp, the float and shakes hand made and decadent. I'm not a fan of the sweets, but just try and stop me from ordering a float in this joint. This place alone is a good excuse for a road trip to Racine ~ if you are anywhere near by, a must stop. Your tummy can thank me later.

No need to drop a bundle at Five Guys, when you can get a great burger for less at Kewpees! They remain a Racine institution because they continue to provide excellent food and service!

I've eaten in many cities and I've never had a burger better than Kewpees. There's not much to them and that's the best part. Other, fancier, more expensive places add lots of fancy, delicious toppings and make a great tasting sandwich. Kewpees serves a great tasting BURGER. The taste of the meat is unmatched by any I've ever had. I usually order a double cheeseburger but I'm a big eater and the burger alone isn't enough. Get 2 or an order of fries if you really came to eat. Still, I can't take away a star for portions until someone else in the country matches the quality of this burger. +Root Beer floats are fantastic if you have room. +Limited parking & space so try to beat the lunch rush or plan to wait.

A Racine classic. Burgers prepared 20-30 at a time, fried up on a greasy skillet, with 10 pounds of raw, ground beef, just sitting there ready to fry. Just waiting for you to make it lunch or dinner. Cheese for your burger floating right there next to that burger, simmering in the grease. Order 3-4 of these burger delights...they're small. Fries golden brown. You may want to think about ordering up 2 servings here. Wash it down with a rootbeer float, or a hand made shake. Delicious. If you love tofu, sprouts and mineral water with a lime, go somewhere else. If your a PETA whack job, please don't stop in and rain on my parade. I love eating tasty animals. No, I'm some over weight slob. Willing to bet I'm in far better shape then any "I don't eat anything that has a face" vegan. If you're like minded, and love a good 'ol greasy chesseburger, this is your place. Besides, there is nothing wrong with rewarding yourself every now and then. Life is too short.

Whether your on a drive through Wisconsin or a beer tour like I was, make sure a stop through Racine is on your to do list. Where the prices seem to reflect on decades passed so does the glass cabinet full of vintage dolls from the yesteryear's. I think they look odd and add a freakish statement to the joint. Burgers, fries and some drinks priced under two dollars! You read this correctly. Myself and broil enjoyed simple cheeseburgers, fries with cheese, a soda and a chocolate shake. All of this food for $10.51. Their burgers are simple, a typical size burger like what you could expect from an average sandwich at Culver's. Cheese fries is not on their menu, I asked for it and they accommodated by adding cheese from the burger onto the fries. Note: the interesting coloring on the cheese which could look like seasoning, grill seasoning that is. Soda comes in a small 8 ounce tumbler and you are given a free refill. For the size of that meal, the one 8 oz of soda hits the spot. Like a 50s diner the seating is composed of fixed seating at the curvaceous counter or tables and chairs to suit about twenty or less at a time. The employees are dressed in diner garb and most are tattooed. I believe this old dude sitting across from us was the owner, also tattooed and smoking like a chimney. In Chicago it's banned, so to eat with a person smoking across from you can be annoying. Chain smoking, blah. People watching can be interesting here. As another reviewer stated, I would choose this over burger chain food anyday. Thanks Rob B. for the suggestion.