Kernel Restaurant — Restaurant in Owatonna

We made an unplanned stop while traveling. We trusted these reviews. That was a mistake. Our wait staff was very good, and the kitchen staff timely, orders we're correct, our table cleared of plates, drinks kept full. But, come on. This place seems like one giant health code violation. The floor in the whole place is sinking in, dining area and bathrooms, you sit slanted. The carpet has 70years of filth on it. The menus must be used for grease guards at times. The bathrooms...what is going on in there, exactly...ugh?? We we're so put off by the building status, we we're terrified by the time the food came out. Then it did. The food tasted like it was old, like something dug out of the back of a long-time over stuffed freezer. Gobs of gravy and sauce we suspect to cover up poor food. We ate what we could manage, but gave up. We knew we were stopping at a diner. We had diner expectations. We like diners, especially small town spots. We even like dives! This is no 5 star diner like the reviews reflect. This is poor quality, and somehow people have grown to accept it. The parking lot had many vehicles. And it's clearly a hit with locals. But, we left full of regret. We're still bothered by our experience and won't ever stop again. I dont care about how good the pie is reported to be. Do better, owners. Your staff, community, travelers, and business...

AVOID THIS PLACE! The service we received was good, but the food was very disappointing. By the time my food arrived at our table, it was only a partial order and the fries were very cold. The server took my plate of food back to the kitchen to get the fries replaced and get the remainder of my food, which was also cold. I again told my server about it and she offered to remove the cost of my meal and give me a dessert, but the manager, who never approached us, told the server that the cost would only be reduced leaving a charge of $3 for the small dish of coleslaw, which I ate while waiting for my dinner which came cold and incomplete out much later. In fact, my partner was done eating by the time I got portions. of my meal. And, of course, the manager did not honor the dessert. We have patronized The Kernel for years, but under the new ownership, everything has gone downhill. I have attempted to contact the owner many times at both of her restaurants (The Kernel and Olivia’s Family Restaurant in Owatonna), but she has never taken my calls, and I’ve left messages asking her to call me, which...

We stopped here to feed a hungry runner after a cross country race at Brooktree golf course.

The place is pretty old school but in a good way...mostly. our waitress was quick and pleasant and the food was good. My family had breakfasts for dinner. They're odd that way. The breakfasts (blueberry pancakes and ham with a cup of potato dumpling soup) were large portions that satisfied even a 13 year old. He said it was very good. My 9 year old had the classic breakfast and ate every last scrap of it and also enjoyed his potato soup - "the best ever." I tried the potation soup and it was pretty bland but he enjoyed it. I had the Battered cod basket. The cod was pretty small and there were only two but they were delicious and the fries might be the best I've had ever.

The only bump in the service was the cashier who was pretty dour but she did say thank you.

We'll be back to try something else on the menu next year...