Review Summary
FRANKIES Steak & Burger is a strong choice in Kelsterbach for steak, burgers, and a proper meal near Frankfurt Airport. After several visits, the steak on the hot lava stone was clearly the best reason to come here. The 200g filet and 300g rump steak had good meat quality, strong flavor, and the added fun of cooking each piece to the preferred doneness at the table. The burgers were enjoyable overall, but they were less consistent than the steaks. I usually paid around 20 to 40 euros per person. With steak, drinks, and dessert, the bill reached 50 euros or more per person. Service was often friendly and fast, but on busy evenings or with larger groups there were delays, mixed-up sides, and forgotten dishes. If I had to recommend only one dish, I recommend the steak on the hot lava stone.
Steak and Meat Dishes
Steak on the Hot Lava Stone
The steak on the hot lava stone is the main reason to visit this restaurant. The meat arrives with a very hot stone at the table, and I cut each piece and cooked it directly in front of me. The 200g filet was enough for a regular meal, while the 300g rump steak was more filling and better for a heavier dinner.
The stone was hot enough to cook the steak rare, medium, or further, depending on how long I left the meat on it. The important part is not leaving every piece on the stone too long, because the last pieces can become overcooked. For steak with a side and a drink, I usually paid around 30 to 40 euros per person. With a better cut, dessert, and drinks, the bill went up to around 50 to 60 euros per person.
Ribeye and Rump Steak
The ribeye and rump steak both worked well. The ribeye had enough fat to make each bite rich, while the rump steak had a firmer bite and a deeper beef flavor. The house sauce, aioli, and herb butter were good matches for the meat. The herb butter was especially useful because it added flavor without covering the steak.
Potato wedges and classic fries were the best side choices. The wedges were crisp on the outside and soft inside. Together with steak, sauce, and salad, the meal felt complete and clearly focused on meat quality.
Black Tiger Prawns
The Black Tiger prawns were a good addition to the steak. They had a firm bite and worked well with the grilled vegetables. Ordering prawns with steak made the meal feel more varied. When I had steak and prawns together, the meal came to around 30 to 40 euros per person, depending on drinks and sides.
Burgers and Side Dishes
Old School Burger and Chili Cheese Burger
The burger menu has many options, with different sauces and sides. The Old School Burger had a good bun, fresh ingredients, and a satisfying base. With double beef and extra bacon, the burger and fries came to around 15 euros. On another visit, two burgers with sides, two apple wines, and an espresso came to about 50 euros in total.
The burgers were not equally strong on every visit. On good days, the patty, bun, and sauce worked well together. On weaker days, the patty was thin and dry. A burger with avocado and feta had too little topping. For one main order, I would choose steak over a burger here.
Fries and Potato Sides
The side choices included classic fries, curly fries, sweet potato fries, bacon fries, and potato wedges. Classic fries were the safest choice. Curly fries matched the burgers well, while wedges were better with steak.
Some sides were disappointing. Bacon fries were once too dry, under-seasoned, and not hot enough. Sweet potato fries arrived cold on one visit and slightly burned on another. Truffle mayonnaise cost 6 euros for a small cup, which felt too expensive for the size.
Salad and Extras
The salad was better than expected. The salad with pomegranate seeds and dressing was fresh, light, and a good starter before steak. The side salad also had fresh vegetables and helped balance the heavier meat dishes. With one larger salad, the bread portion was too small, and extra bread was charged at 3 euros.
Desserts and Drinks
Tiramisu and Lava Cake
For dessert, I tried tiramisu, lava cake, churros, and Kaiserschmarrn. The lava cake was warm, rich, and satisfying after a meat-heavy meal. The tiramisu itself was fine, but fruit sauce and Oreo did not match the classic dessert well.
The churros were tasty, but the chocolate sauce tasted closer to Nutella than proper dark chocolate sauce. The Kaiserschmarrn was closer to a fluffy pancake with powdered sugar and was not warm enough on one visit.
House Drinks and Coffee
The house iced tea and elderflower spritzer matched the food well. The elderflower spritzer was especially refreshing and not too sweet. Coffee service was weaker on one visit because sugar and a small spoon or dessert fork took too long to arrive. The Aperol Spritz was disappointing because it lacked freshness and sparkle.
Waiting Time and Reservation
With and Without Reservation
A reservation is the safer choice here. With a reservation, I usually got seated right away, and the food came in a reasonable time. Without a reservation, getting a table was a matter of luck, especially in the evening and on weekends.
During busy evenings and group visits, the weak points became clear. Main dishes did not arrive together, two burgers were initially missing, and some sides were mixed up. In one group, two people waited almost 20 minutes longer for their mains. On another burger visit, the food took almost an hour to arrive.
Payment and Price Level
Paying at the Table
Payment was handled at the table through the staff after the meal. Most of the time, the bill was handled without issues. Once, however, the amount was rounded up without asking, and 3 euros of change were not returned. That was unacceptable because tipping must be voluntary. It is better to check the amount and change carefully when paying.
Price Level
For burgers with sides, I usually paid around 20 to 30 euros per person. For steak with a drink, the bill was often around 30 to 40 euros per person. With better steak, dessert, and drinks, I paid around 50 to 60 euros per person. At lunch, a simpler order could stay around 10 to 20 euros.
This is not a cheap restaurant. For steak, the price-performance balance is good. For burgers and some sides, the price felt less convincing on weaker visits.
Parking and Access
Free Street Parking
I used street parking around the restaurant. On some visits there were plenty of spaces, while on busy evenings parking was harder to find. The restaurant depends more on nearby street parking than on a clear dedicated guest parking lot. Arriving a little earlier is a good idea for dinner.
Getting There by S-Bahn
From Kelsterbach station, walk toward the town center and continue toward Mörfelder Straße. The location works well for anyone coming from Frankfurt Airport or staying in a nearby airport hotel. It is also a practical option during a longer airport layover.
Staff and Atmosphere
Friendly Service
The service was friendly, attentive, and fast on many visits. Staff explained how to use the lava stone, handled special requests, and treated children kindly. English service was also possible, which is helpful near the airport.
Weaker Service Days
Service was not equally good every time. On busy days, orders were taken late, drinks were not checked again, and dishes did not arrive together. During group visits, there were wrong sides and forgotten mains. Once, the response to a missing fries order was unfriendly. On those visits, the service hurt the overall meal.
Atmosphere and Ventilation
The restaurant is modern, cozy, and comfortable. The lighting fits dinner well, and the seats are pleasant. The main drawback is smoke and smell from the hot stones. When several tables order lava stone steaks, the smell stays strongly in clothing.
There was also a smoking issue in the winter garden area. Sitting there without clear notice was unpleasant. This needs clearer communication from the restaurant.
Restroom
On-Site Use
There is a restroom inside the restaurant. It was clean during my visit. For a steak and burger place, being able to wash hands before or after eating is useful. The entrance has steps, so wheelchair users or guests with strollers may need help.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The biggest strength is the steak on the hot lava stone. Meat quality, table cooking, and sauces work well together. Salads, potato sides, and house drinks add to the meal. The burger menu is broad, and vegetarian or vegan patty options are available. When service is strong, the visit is very enjoyable.
Cons
The biggest weakness is ventilation. The hot stone creates smoke and leaves a strong smell in clothing. Service varies a lot by visit. There were delayed dishes, forgotten orders, mixed-up sides, and one unpleasant payment issue. Burgers and fries were not always as reliable as the steaks.
Satisfaction and Revisit Intention
Overall Impression
My satisfaction is high when I focus on the steak. The rump steak, filet, sauces, and salad are the main reasons to come back. The burgers are good, but the steaks define this restaurant better. The price is higher than a simple burger place, but it makes sense when ordering steak.
My Recommendation
I would visit again, but only with a reservation and with steak as the main order. I would choose a better-ventilated seat and check the winter garden area before sitting there. If I had to recommend one dish, I recommend the 300g rump steak or the 200g filet on the hot lava stone. Potato wedges, house sauce, and an elderflower spritzer are good additions.
Location Description
From Kelsterbach Station
From Kelsterbach station, walk toward the town center and use Kurt’s Markt as a nearby reference point. From there, continue toward Mörfelder Straße. The walk is manageable, and the restaurant is easy to reach by S-Bahn from the Frankfurt Airport area.
From Nearby Parking Areas
From Parkhaus Platzhirsch or the Mein-Flughafenparkplatz areas, head toward the Kelsterbach town center and continue toward Mörfelder Straße. From the Kurt’s Markt area, the restaurant is nearby. For guests coming from airport hotels, Kelsterbach town center is the easiest reference point.
Check the restaurant location on the map
Food Photos
This review is connected to the city review page below.
Kelsterbach Place Reviews