Review Hog's Breath Cafe - Frankston

We were looking forward to our favourite, slow-cooked prime rib steaks for dinner, like what we were served at Hogsbreath Knox before the COVID lockdowns, but unfortunately we were deeply disappointed. Upon arrival, we were told that there would be a 10-15 minute wait time for a table. This was perfectly reasonable, and we were seated within that time. However, when we sat down we found that the table was sticky and the seats were hard. We asked for the table to be cleaned, and the staff happily obliged, but even after they wiped it again, they left parts of the table still dirty. We went to order the signature 18 hr slow cooked prime rib, but were told that none was available. It would have been better if they mentioned this before we took the time to wait for a table. Instead, we then ordered 2 rump steaks and a pork-out plate. The staff also said they would bring us water. They forgot to bring us the water, but after 5-10 minutes came back to tell us that the pork was unavailable. Why couldn't they have told us which items were available before we ordered? We ordered a sirloin steak instead. After a while, sitting on the hard seats, we asked to change table to one of the booths with cushions. The staff happily obliged, but once we moved we found the seats weren't much better and this table, and the seats with it, were also dirty. Once the food arrived, we found that 1. The serving of sides was smaller than it used to be at Hogs, 2. The rump and sirloin steaks looked the exact same, and 3. The two rump steaks were supposed to be medium well, and the sirloin medium rare, but one of the rump steaks looked as rare as the so-called 'sirloin'. The staff member who didn't bring us water said that she would bring cutlery now. We think she forgot again, because she never brought it. We eventually asked a different member of staff for water and cutlery, and she apologised and got both for us. We also asked for the 'medium well' steak (the one that looks rare in the photos) to be cooked more. Once it came back, we found it was now over cooked, as shown in the photos that look 'well done' and quite burnt. Finally, at payment they overcharged us, to my shock. When I told them that I didn't think the price was right for 2 rump steaks and 1 sirloin steak, they showed me a receipt for 3 rump steaks and a pork-out plate. Just as well that I checked what they were charging me for, so it could be corrected! Overall, the staff members were polite, but otherwise, the service was poor with items forgotten and an incorrect order, the food was either unavailable or not cooked well, the tables were dirty and the seats were uncomfortable. Just to top it off, despite us being lifetime members, Hogs no longer honours the 20% loyalty discount. All of these little disappointments put together mean that this may be our last visit to Hogsbreath. This is not the hogspitality that we used to know, nor the tasty steaks that we used to boast about to friends.

If I could give a zero I would. To say disappointment is such an understatement. My wife and I went here for our anniversary dinner before the movies. I will stop here and say we didn’t eat. When my first steak was brought out I had a quick taste and believe the meat was rancid. My wife’s wasn’t rancid but had a strange taste as well. I returned my steak and when I got my replacement steak it too had a rancid flavour. I thought well at least I might just try to eat the fries. But after eating just a few I noticed a large black hair. ( I am bald and my wife has blond hair). Instant turn off. I took the plates up and let the staff know I would not be paying for the meals. I paid for my coke and wife’s beer and we left. Utter waste of time and money. This place has gone so far backwards it isn’t funny. It has been over 12 years since we were here last. So from then to now they have lost their way. I have also attached a picture of the plate with the hair. Final point I also ordered macaroni and cheese. I don’t know exactly what it was on my plate. But the square thing on the bottom left is it.

Went there for dinner with fam and we all enjoyed our meals. Not forgetting friendly staff with good sense of humor. Keep it up!

The most AMAZING Lamb Burger from Hogs Breath Karingal. Nice and Juicy, staff was amazing too! Being the only one on the floor at the time, managing easily 5+ tables. Massive Props!

My friend and I had a delicious lunch here last week. We ordered off the lunch menu and got the steak burger and grilled chicken burger. Really good burgers and the fries they came with were crispy and seasoned well. The food was hot and our server was attentive and had a lovely demeanor. The only downside was they seated us right next to another occupied table, even though there were plenty of spare tables to space us out. I know there are no restrictions anymore, but I think if possible, spacing between patrons should happen.

Great choice of food. Delicious. Lovely staff, good atmosphere, reasonable prices, parking available

Beautiful cafe out in the country. I would have to say my favourite menu items were the hogs schlong curly fries and the raw hog. The raw hog was more of an experience seeing as though it comes out in a cage and is needed to be hunted by you.

The staff were friendly and the aesthetic was cool, but the food took forever to come out and particularly for the price we paid, let's just say it was on par with many of the local fast food franchises around. Was it terrible? No, but given the choice within a 15 minute drive, I expected better.

Yesterday wednesday 17 jan 2018 i took my sister who had never been to hog's breath before for lunch the staff were so polite and the service was great when we were shown to our seats the you girl got us a jug of water straight away then the menus then said she would be back to take our order when she came back we order some drinks and then our lunch the drinks came then the food which was fish and chips and calamari the fish was so fresh and it was the best calimari i had ever had so thank you to all the staff and the chef for giving myself and my sister a great lunch date

The service was fantastic, but the food was cold. We had the best service from the manager and was appologising to us when we pointed out that the mushrooms were cold and got us replacement food for the mushrooms being still frozen in parts. When the steak arrived it was luke warm along with the curly fries being cold. The others in the group said that their meals where also cold. We decided to just eat and run as we had other things to go to and still had to pay. At this point I would suggest that it is best not to go for the food on a Sunday lunch.

I ordered the pork belly pasta. For the price it was very disappointing, the pasta was cold the taste of the topping bland and tasteless. I would not recommend the dish. I told the waitress and it was heated up, however the taste was not any better. Hogs breath for me is hit and miss. Sometimes meals are great however yesterday my meal was very average.

Here's my Mum's review and I second it. To sell an a la carte steak for the same price as an 18hr slow cooked steak is not on. Food was average. Burger patty was some kind of processed meat. Dessert was bland and with ice confection, no ice cream in sight. "Well i am sad and disappointed in our day went to Hogs cafe today in Karingal had lunch Don wanted slow cooked rib eye steak sorry we have none all gone you can have just normal steak he was so disappointed we came all the way from Wonthaggi just to have his special 18 hour slow cooked steak and the steak he had was not even nice not going back to that place again especialy after the price for a steak $38-95 sorry not happy Jan"

What a total disappointment this place is Went out for our daughters birthday & we waited almost 2 hours for half our table to be feed & then an extra 20 mins for the other side Chicken Parma were as dry as & most of everyone steak wasn’t cooked properly I will NEVER recommend this place to anyone

Ordinarily fantastic place. But we unfortunately had our "adult" meals forgotten somehow I think! and as a result my steak was well under done to what I normally have (or ordered), fantastic waitress had chased our meals without us asking, and did offer to take mine back (I was starving by this point so refused), meals were still great apart from that. Waitress was lovely gave us a garlic bread vouchers as a sorry. Atmosphere is always family friendly and great.

I loved the food and the waiter was very attentive and good. The waiting time was not bad. I would recommend my friends

Best food best ribs and steak very polite and helpful staff...we will be back that's for shore that food was mouth watering

Absolutely appalling food and wait staff full of really bad excuses! Waited over an hour for food that's including basic kids meals. After only one visit will never return!

First time at Hogs Good food great service, we had lunch everything we ate was really good the only slight problem was the amount of time we waited to get the food, it took a little while and the place was pretty empty. But we will go back and try again.

Poor service and food was equally as bad. Meals took too long to arrive only to be told the waiter made a mistake. Credit to him for taking responsibility but the manager dealt poorly with the complaint. Over 2 hours for cold and fatty food. Not impressed will never go again and will tell others.. glorified McDonalds, but at least when the birthday cake comes out they say the right name of the birthday person!!

Absolutely fantastic food and service 1 of the best hogs breath I have been too. I would suggest ur team go to the Traralgon store and train them how to do there job..

Not happy at all.. was at hogs breath karingle Saturday for dinner as it was my daughters birthday � first off they made it difficult to book the Hogster as too hard for them to organise and told me to call back later.. why I'll never know. Then they said they would set the table up with balloons � but they didn't do that until halfway through but the most disappointing part was my grand childs dinner that the waitress told us would be out first actually got forgotten about not once but twice all our meals came out and I had to hunt down waitress who informed us she "forgot" she advised that it wouldn't take long 15 minutes later still no meal for the child waitress got impatient with me asking and said it would be out soon 15 mins later againcall adults had finished their meals and my granddaughters meal finally came out. Yeah not happy. Maybe hire older staff that can handle taking orders.

Waited over an hour for our meals. One meal didn’t come out with the others. Had to wait another 20 mins for that meal. Food was cold. All of it. Chips, chicken, burgers. Didn’t even wait around for my grandsons ice cream. Not waiting another hour. Seems to be a regular occurrence at this restaurant.

Just wanted to say a huge thank you to the lovely staff tonight who made my birthday girl feel a bit special! Thank you for singing to her, giving her balloons and making what was a casual dinner out beyond special for her! ��

We come to hogs breath abit- first time at Karingal. Can I just say- we had a fantastic waitress (baby) who was so lovely and she signed (Australian sign language) to our son who is hearing impaired, which was great to see and it made his night even better as it is his birthday today. We need more people like Baby in the hospitality industry.

Meat was 70% gristle, got cheese sauce which was very hot with pepper in it, who puts pepper in cheese sauce?? For the price I paid for 1 meal and 1 coke, over $50, NOT value for money. Was very dissatisfied. Wont be coming back.

Ordered the Veganlicious Burger, which I was pleasantly surprised with the flavours offered. Probably one of the better burgers I’ve eaten at a mainstream restaurant.<br/><br/>The food was tasty and filling, however the service was incredibly poor. On a fairly quiet Sunday night, the staff weren’t attentive to our table’s needs - even forgetting our request to get some water.

I’ve been here a few times now, with last nights visit proving necessary to offer some input. I arrived at 610pm and noticed just one other couple in the entire place, and waited to be seated by a staff member that did not greet us for about five minutes after entering. Once seated she took our drink order and proceeded to greet other customers. Myself and my friend knew what we wanted to we awaited the staff member to come and take the order, when we noticed a bunch of staff seated at the back of the restaurant (which we guessed was a staff meeting?). The customers began coming in heavy and this one staff member was running around trying to manage five different tables. I was patient with that fact, until, she took a food order from two tables who arrived AFTER we had. This I imagine would bother anyone, but we had also been seated for a good half and hour or so and had just about finished our drinks. Another staff member finally decided to help out and took our order and our food didn’t take too long. Overall I think three stars is really generous for what we received.

I ordered the Thai beef salad. I was very disappointed. Only a few strands of meat and it was dressed with a kind of sweet chili sauce. Very small portion size. Didnt taste good. My partner haf the steak with camembert cheese and chorizo. He said it was average for the price. We won't be going back.

Stopped here for dinner after shopping one night recently. We were welcomed by three staff members upon stepping through the door and seated promptly.<br/>Service was fast, efficient and friednly to begin with, then our wiatress told us her shift was over and a different waiter took over our service. He too was friendly and always there if we needed something, but couldn't seem to see the empty plates and glass piling up on our table. They were still there when we left. But the food was good and service was great in every other way. Our little girl was brought colouring materials and baloons, and we were surprised to find her meal, drinks and dessert were free.<br/>All in all and good dining experience. Great place to bring kids.<br/>Lots to choose from on the menu. Food wasn't spectacular, but it was very nice.<br/>Thumbs up!!

Very poor very overpriced food. I could not believe we spent $150 on one of the worst meals I've ever had. I honestly don't know how this place stays in business.

If I had to chose one word to describe this place it would be 'average'. The restaurant itself is set up quite well and some of the staff are friendly, however, there are many, MANY other places in the area I would recommend over hogs breath for a steak or a burger. The calamari here is nice and I always tend to stick to the toasted chicken sandwiches here- they're a safe bet.

In a recent visit before a movie we thought we'd try here as we hadn't been in a long time, what we discovered was that, don't order the beef nachos from the specials board, my wife's beef was way over cooked, more like reheated burnt steak that one could break a window with if one chose too and the nacho chips were stale. My 400g steak had a big piece of gristle/fat in it, come on people (chef) couldn't you see that before you cooked it and sold it to a member of the public, asked for medium rare and got blue, wasn't pleasant, about the only good meal was my daughters burger and the curly fries were good still. <br/>Don't reckon we'll go back in any hurry.

The staff here are always lovely. Great family atmosphere, foods good, steaks are big, prices are reasonable and the kids enjoy it every time we go

Great! The Lite serves are a perfect size for me. Friendly service. Tried a sparkling iced tea mocktail, make sure you give it a decent stir or a big swig of the ice tea mix might come as a shock.

A few weeks back I went out to lunch with my mum and boyfriend at Hog's Breath. They have changed their menu!! There are some good additions to this menu, one of them being the delicious Strawberry & Mint Lemonade. It was very delicious!! It's very sad that a lot of their signature mocktails are gone but I guess it's always good for a change. <br/><br/>The Cheeseburger in Paradise has also changed a bit. They now use BBQ sauce on it. I think I preferred the tomato sauce they used to use but it's still a good burger. I like that now the bun is the right size ... Before with their old burger I would always find that half my bun was left over since it wasn't the same size as the pattie. <br/><br/>My boyfriend liked his steak BUT not the salad. He was concerned about the uncooked bacon - he wondered if bacon could be eaten raw so he didn't end up eating it (but he doesn't like salad anyway hahahaha) <br/><br/>I think I would return for the Strawberry & Mint Lemonade. It was definitely the best thing there!!

Can wait quite a while to be seated and get your food, but food is always yummy and worth the wait I guess. Not a dessert fan but the chocolate fondue is so good!

Hog's Breath Cafe ( nicknamed dog's breath by my uncle) gave the typical american-like diner feel when you walked into it. Felt a bit like denny's in my opinion haha but with more emphasis on their beeeeef. I had come here for lunch and between the 6 of us, we had ordered 3 of their prime rib steaks, the avo mushroom wrap, the salmon and some chicken wings to start with.<br/><br/>Nothing really to complain about the food, just that the feel and look of it was pretty cheap and the quality you get was probably not worth the price you pay for. The prime ribs were tender, but had no flavour at all unless you drenched it with sauce. Sides like a boiled potato, steamed unseasoned plain vegetables, a corn cob; these were just so underwhelming haha. The best dish of the day tho would probably have to be the salmon, however even that wasnt that great of a dish as the only flavour it had was the sweet chilli sauce on the side<br/><br/>Overall, service was friendly but food was highly lacking in taste and presentation. Would not return sorry!

Pretty average here.<br/>Parma's are hit and miss, not sure if will get another one.<br/>Content put on the TV is terrible, learn to change the channel.<br/>Pricey considering average food.<br/>Music is so loud, are you a club or?<br/><br/>Not sure if I'll come back.

A $10 lunch special isn't something i can pass easy! And for the amount of food it's definitely good value! Hog tail fries were nice, and overally my grilled chicken burger was very tasty, but my chicken was a little dry. My friend though ordered a crispy chicken Caesar wrap and said he enjoyed it. Service was wonderful and the staff were super friendly! Definitely points for that ;) <br/>Overall, as a chain restaurant, i was pretty happy. Nothing amazingly spectacular, but nothing that put me off, and wouldn't say no for another time round :)

Would not recommend

I’ve been to a couple of Hog’s Breath Cafe’s around the traps and I’ve always found them to be the poor cousin to TGI Fridays. They have a very similar feel and format, American Chain restaurant style, although Hog’s Breath puts an Aussie spin on the whole experience. Normally I’m not a huge fan of the chain restaurant, however Katie and I had just gone to see a movie – tight arse Tuesday after all – and this was one of the few choices in the area. First things first, Hog’s Breath is generally overpriced for what you get. I knew this walking in, it’s like all the chain restaurants in Australia – not the greatest value, but at least you know what you are going to get… Hog’s Breath have designed their menus brilliantly so that you always spend more than you planned, and extra side or sauce, an appetiser and a dessert – always much more than expected  – But, well done to them, they have a good marketing department. However, I always walk out feeling a little cheated. This time around I knew I was just going to get a burger (None of the crazily expensive steaks or rib combos) – and after my reasonable TGI’s experience a little while back, I was expecting a fairly decent burger… We did get sucked in a little bit and started with the garlic cheese and bacon bread – it was uninspired, bland, but edible, However, at around $10, I’d give it a miss next time. Katie ordered the chicken and ranch salad for her main, which it must be said, she really enjoyed – And I ordered the Burger. By Burger I mean the Cheese burger in paradise ( Surely there is some sort of copyright infringement here Jimmy Buffett??) and made it into a Boss Hog – which is an additional patty and cheese for $3.30 (Value – actually), I then asked for bacon to be added – at $3.95 extra for two burnt rashers –  not value… The total price for t

Was good. I usually come here for dinner and have a steak. This time i came for their 9.90 lunch and ordered a blt burger.<br/>I was disappointed to find out it was a blt. The only ingredients where bacon lettuce and tomato. NO BURGER :(

Hoggies! We just love this place, the food is amazing, the staff are wonderful, charismatic. Hogs breath is a great vibe and we continue to dine here over and over again! 2 thumbs up

Average chain restaurant.. Its not horrendous, but it's your average chain restaurant and there's nothing special about it at all.

Paid $30 for a steak that we had to wait 45 minutes for. The steak was tough and had veins of fat running all through it so we spent forever trying to cut the meat out. The broccoli was undercooked and crunchy. Such a waste of money. <br/>Used to go there all the time but the past few times have been a disappointment and we are not wasting our money there any more. Will NOT recommend to ANYONE!

First time we went 4 of us and had a good meal and great service, a little bit pricey though. Went for a second time with 4 kids and 3 adults on a Wednesday night so there was 3 kids meals free. Food was not brilliant, had the seafood tower, fish was dry, calamari was awesome though. The bill was ridiculous and we just simply won't come back as it is too expensive for what you get.

One last chance. We had been here quite a few times as our kids like the US decor. The last time we visited, however, the meals were so revolting that we swore to never return. We also had an issue with the kids' meal. They were asked what kind of soft drink they would like and when we asked what they had were told "anything you like". The kids both had ginger beer and then we were charged an amazing amount at the end and were told that ginger beer was not on offer with the kids' meal.<br/>Anyway, it turns out our basketball breakup will be held here. So you have ONE MORE chance Hog's Breath. Lift your game and serve some decent meals to match your pricing.

Great service. My husband, daughter and some of our friends went to Hogs Breath for dinner 5/6/2013 and had a great time. Our food was as ordered and was tasty, but the best thing about the night was the service. Our waitress (Arnotts) was very friendly and made sure we always had enough drinks and our meals were as we wanted them. We have all said we will be back and hope to have her as our waitress again.

Disgusting , cold steak , packet veggies. Complete rip off , I think ppl only go there because kids eat free Monday and Tuesday , never again!

The food is cold. When 1st open it was excellent <br/>last time we had Garlic Prawn Prime Rib and Lemon Myrtle Salmon it was cold we told them they said they heated it up but it still was cold <br/><br/>we went there again with a friend because she love the place <br/>i had Chicken Mushroom sauce it was ice cold ill never go back again couldn't eat the food if u want to serve food make shore it hot !!!!!!

Clumsy service, long wait, overpriced, processed, very average food. Tried twice elsewhere for the third time.

Don't waste your money! Nothing like the t.v ad! Very average food and service our half full drinks were removed from table when we went to the bathroom. Never going back!

Average. The food is cold and average . We were a table of 8 people who got there meals not all together we had all but finished when the last couple received their meal. All our meals were served cold very slow service with everything wouldnt bother going back. <br/>This area has 2 food places and both are not good sad because could be a boomer for people who care about their food/<br/>D Hayes

Great service and good food. I have been going here for a couple of years on and off. Usually go in with the girls before the cinema and have a good time. Food isn't fine dining but good none the less. Prices seem high but we have a card which gives us 25% off. Staff always seem friendly and we don't have to wait long for our meals. Not going to waste my time with the ugly teen question.

Food was alright, I had the .... Food was delicious, i had the hickory smoked steak and it was fantastic, the wait staff there are always super friendly and helpful couldnt ask for anything more

I think the reviewer complaining about 'ugly teens' is pathetic. How employees look should not have anything to do with reviewing a place. Anyway, I found the teens to be very pleasant, service was quick, food was above average, not amazing but worth going back again. Good for a casual family dinner.

I honestly don't know what the other whinging reviewers are whinging about. Good food - amazing steak (like cutting through butter) - and it comes out quickly. Only downside is that the staff crouch down to speak to you at the table - please don't belittle me. Stand up!

It's nothing in particular, it's just that it's the same boring old menu as 10-yrs ago, boring decor... The only thing that's changed is the price - ridiculously expensive for the quality of food

If you're looking for an awesome night out this is the place! Luckily we made a booking as it was packed when we arrived, and now i know why! The menu offered something to please everyone in our group. Drinks were well priced. Meals came out quick and were delicious! Our waitress was really friendly and took care of everything. And when it came time for the bill we were able to split the bill individually.

Worst dining experience EVER. So i went there for my birthday lunch on sunday afternoon, had booked 1 table for 12 people, get there and we are seated at 2 booths next to each other so that was the first issue. ordered our food, i ordered one of the slow cooked steaks with avocado and white sauce, id previously had it a knox and it was the best steak ever, but here was A DIFFERENT STORY, the steak was way over cooked, avocado was brown, and salad was wilted leaves and some red kidney beans. i cut into the steak which was meant to be medium rare, the thing was grey!! i took a bite chewed on the one peice for about 4 minutes, then i sent it back, 5 minutes later i was told by the waitress that her manager and the head chef had both looked at the steak and said it was medium rare, that it looks pink in a different light!! what a crack!! what ever happend to the customer is always right? certainly not at hogs breath Karingal - and apparently im colour blind! every one else had average meals, we where given a steak knife to cut my cake with - this was a poor effort, my drink was disgusting & at the end we tried to use a 25% off voucher i had got last time i visited but because we had removed my meal from the order we couldnt - this was the worst experience at a "restaurant" i have ever had - Knox = Brilliant, Karingal = DISGUSTING. i will never return, neither will my 11 friends.

Average. I ate here with a friend on a Thursday afternoon. We were the only customers in there the whole time, but I do hear it gets very busy in the evenings.<br/>The waitress seemed nice however she did always ask if we wanted any "Extra's added to our meals. I ordered the Lite Chicken Parma, Very lite it is with the chicken breast being just over the size of my palm, For $17 bucks it was very over priced. It tasted ok but the Fries were better. I've definately had better tasting parma''s than that and certainly for less cost too.<br/>My Friend had the Barra burger however she had to eat it as a normal meal and not a proper burger has the buns were burnt on the inner side.<br/>One thing I didn't like about this place is that they do not have any prices on their drink Menu.<br/><br/>My experience was ok all round although If it was just me choosing where to dine out i would probably not go back.

Why are they always busy?. The food is not good at all. <br/>The service is very average, and everything takes way to long.<br/><br/>Never had a good meal at any Hog's Breath and don't go there anymore.

Staff fantastic, speed service great, fish & chips were nice apart from the batter being a little bit like rubber and not crunchy as batter should be. Mushroom salad was very nice. All in all a lovely afternoon.

Boring and over priced. First we had to wait 20 minuets for a table, then i had some kid behind me that wouldn't stop jiggling and it bumped the whole bench seat. They may be 'Famous' for there stakes, but who the hell wants a well done, steak cooked for 12hours???? what a load of crap. The menu was limited and over priced and the drinks we had where HORRIBLE, one tasted like malabu, the other of more malabu and my sex on the beach tasted like it was only vodka.<br/><br/>The waiters where all in there teens, and there was not even any eye candy, and I always felt like they where pushing there more expensive meals as opposed to letting us CHOOSE what we wanted.<br/><br/>This was one of the worse experiences we had, its only redeeming point is we fingered out they failed to add our drinks to the bill at the end. So that was $30 we didnt need to pay...that wasn't worth it anyway.

Well if you want to be served overcooked-unidentified meat by ugly teens just out of high school this is the right place, finding somewon to take my order was like trying to win lotto not reccomended

Worst pasta. Lowely waiters. Ran out of the main meal. Prime rib was out and i ve def. Had better stakes in my time

Only visit this restaurant for a rib fillet steak, and you will not be dissappointed.

Being that it is a Tuesday night we didn’t expect it to be too busy but there was quite a few people. Probably tight asses here to grab a meal and get a cheap movie. For a venue that seats about 200 they were probably half full which is pretty good.