Finally got around to trying this place for breakfast. Food was fine. Pretty straight-ahead diner fare. But the service was slow to indifferent. Few check-ins with the table. Toast that was supposed to come with breakfast was forgotten. Long ticket time. And the room is VERY bright and often VERY loud to a point where conversation becomes almost impossible. Too bad, because overall the room looks nice (if a bit cafeteria-like with all the long tables in the middle), but it would be cozy in one of the perimeter booths if you could talk to your table mates without having to shout. Spanky's just down in Ben Lomond may be more run down and smaller, but it is a more pleasant place to be for the same kind of food. read more

Naraiya was a super friendly, helpful waitress. She recommended the Monte Cristo and I was very happy with the choice. The food was all flavorful and fresh and was cooked to perfection. It's a nice day so was very relaxing to sit in the outside patio area. We hadn't been in several years and I'm super happy that we decided to swing by today! Need to come back for dinner. The prices are in line with most of the diner-style restaurants in the area! Thank you Naraiya for the suggestion! read more

I had some delicious shakes here last night. Though we went elsewhere for dinner we came back to this location for dessert after I had reviewed their menu on Yelp from six months ago. That one showed several dessert options but when we arrived, their menu only had the milkshakes. We had ordered these, which were very tasty and when going up to pay, we saw a dessert menu that did have the hot fudge sundae and some of the other items that were on the old venue. Also, when speaking to our host, he said they often have other specials that we can ask about when we come back. read more

Brookdale Diner - Dinner menu from August 2026 without a dessert section. Ask for the special menu! - American Near Me - Brookdale, California

Okay, I'll start with the good things. Their fries are really good. Like that double fried crispy texture. The decor is really cute and nostalgic. The waiters were very nice and the bacon on my sandwich was good. The downside, I was really hoping to get a thick crispy fried piece of chicken on my sandwich. It was two strips that had no crunch. The lettuce tasted dirty and the water tasted really bad. I got a slice of lasagna to go for lunch the next day. I went to take a bite when I got home just to try it before I put it in the fridge. The bottom layer of noodles was extremely tough and really most of the noodles were not soft. I can't even tell you what cheese they used. It was disgusting. I think they were recommending it cuz they needed to get rid of it. I had never had lasagna that gross before in my life. I went right into the garbage. read more

Brookdale Diner - American Near Me - Brookdale, California

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Fun Hwy 9 drive in a Miata to enjoy some time amongst the redwoods. Breakfast or lunch in a true diner atmosphere, although we sat outside beneath the tall trees. Service was excellent and meals (patty melt with sweet potato fries, Monte Cristo with o-rings) were very tasty. Definitely will return. read more

Loved our all American meal. BRAVO, food so good, service over the drop as well as the vibe. Yeh4U, Señor Juanito read more

Brookdale Diner - 5*s for Chicken Fried Steak. YumYum to the very end. BRAVO, Chef Señor Juanito. - American Near Me - Brookdale, California

So happy to see Brookdale Diner back and buzzing again! The menu is wonderfully expansive with solid options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We had the Monte Cristo and a Reuben with fries, and both were absolutely delicious. Comfort food done right. Larry was an absolute delight and took such great care of us. You can tell he genuinely loves his job and his community, which makes the whole experience feel extra special. After eating, we popped next door to the lounge for drinks and cozied up by the fireplace on a rainy day, which was perfection. Larry even gave us a peek into the River Run room and it felt downright magical. I can't wait to see what they do with it. He also mentioned hopes of getting the pool back up and running someday, which would be pure magic for Brookdale. So excited to have this place back and can't wait to return. read more

Brookdale Cafe & Grill is a mandatory stop for me when I'm riding the motorcycle northbound on highway 9. I'm also going to award five stars. The first star is for personality and service. Staff is super duper friendly Second star is for location. This is typically mile 120 for my ride, so the absolute last rest stop before the haul home. Third star is because of the amazing playlist they always have going when I come in. First time I came in, I felt like I was one of the good fellas, and Tony was going to Pat me on the shoulder telling me whatever I need, they got me. Second time I came in I feel like they were playing my exact Spotify playlist. Personal. Fourth star because the food (avocado bacon burger with fries) it's always so perfect. Don't tell anybody but I think it's the best value ever. Juicy burger, thick bacon, fresh avocado, perfect fries. Fifth star because the ambience is spot on 1950s shake shack kind of place This is definitely a place on my map. I look forward to always visiting this place and I hope that it lasts! read more

Brookdale Diner - Can't go wrong with checkerboard floor tiles! - American Near Me - Brookdale, California

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We just celebrated my mom's 89th birthday at the Brookdale Lodge. The new owners of the café catered the evening event at the Lodge which was extraordinary. Family style & dish after dish everyone raved about it. We had our Farewell Brunch at the café itself all red and white 50 style. They set beautiful tables- family style breakfast it could not have been more magical and wonderful. I cannot say enough about this the new café owners. Do not let the café title fool you it is five star dining when they cater and the breakfast and the lunch and dinner in the adorable diner itself is fresh & yummy. read more

We've been coming here for months now. It's always consistent & everything we've tried has been delicious. Burgers & sandwiches are great, mozzarella sticks & chicken wings are yummy, milkshakes hit the spot. We've gotta try breakfast one of these days. This is tasty, affordable diner food with classics to choose from. Great local business to support! read more

Absolutely a hidden gem in Boulder Creek. My son and I were famished after a long drive from Sacramento on a weekend visit to Boulder Creek. We stopped in for a quick bite and we were very impressed with the Diner! Service was very friendly (found out it was family owned), and quick. Food was fitting of the great diners I visited in my past. Portions were perfect, and the food tasted great. We went back for dinner and I ordered something that I had not had in years because I couldn't find a place that made a good one. That would be a Monte Christo. It was fantastic. Definitely visit the Diner if you find yourself in Brookdale and need a bite to eat! read more

In the mountains of Santa Cruz, amazing little Diner, Great customer service, very kind and friendly people working here. I would recommend this place to anyone, Food tasted fresh and homemade. read more

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We had our wedding at the Brookdale Lodge, and Junior and the team at the Brookdale diner catered our party. WOW!!! We are so grateful for the time, care, and attention they put into our event. Even though we had a lot of specific requests they went above and beyond and made it totally seamless. Everyone kept telling us how delicious the food was, and we're so grateful we had them as part of our special day. Thank you so much Junior, Juan, and the entire staff at the Brookdale Diner! It was soooo awesome and we can't wait to come back to eat at the diner. read more

I was on my way to Boulder Creek for some of my favorite Chinese food ..... but they were closed . So I had heard some good reviews about the Diner in Brookdale . What a pleasant surprise people were nice food was truly amazing , I haven't had a monte cristo in probably 30 years it was fantastic, the savory the sweet .... They offered jam or syrup, I had the syrup ... wow.... I like my hash browns crispy these were perfect.. crispy on the outside soft inside yum . I'll definitely be back ! Nice to see some different offerings close to home . read more

Had breakfast there this noon and the service was terrible! Twice we had to get up to get our server's attention. He was busy wagging his lips and flirting with a young gal at the counter. My food was disappointing but I guess I was expecting too much. read more

Eat here! You won't regret it! Cute diner ambience, friendly and attentive service, delicious milkshakes.

Had higher hopes but was ultimately let down. Despite not being busy, only 3-4 tables of patrons at the time, the wait time for the dinner order was over 50 minutes on a table of 2. The food was mediocre at best but the staff was friendly. Possibly a short staffed night & things got away from them but I'm not likely to give it a second chance. Atmosphere was nice however! read more

Very nostalgic "feel good" diner experience! Four different entrees for breakfast . All were very good (presentation and taste)! Service was pleasant and attentive. Price was pretty consistent with other restaurants. Want to bring back fond memories while enjoying a good meal, consider the Brookdale Diner! read more

My sis and I were staying at the Brookdale Lodge while visiting my brothers here in the Santa Cruz area. Not only was this place convenient (right on the grounds), we came back repeatedly for the perfect diner food (incredibly tasty and perfectly prepared every time) and probably the friendliest, most pleasant staff (including the owner) I've ever encountered at ANY restaurant. Loved everything we had there, but were particularly pleasantly surprised by the coffee - good 'n' strong! Dined across the spectrum - breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert - and there was nothing that wasn't great. Terrific ambience (classic '50s diner style) and so clean you could practically eat off the black & white tile floors. Loved everything about it, actually. Highly recommended if you live in the area or are just passin' through. In fact, it's worth goin' out of your way a bit to stop by. Thanks to everybody there - you fed and treated us like family! read more

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really good breakfast The monte cristo sandwich is great Home fries perfect Salt read more

I FOUND THE BEST KEPT SECRET IN THE MOUNTAIN..THE DINER @ THE BROOKDALE LODGE IS MY HOME AWAY FROM HOME!...I LOVE GOING FOR BREAKFAST WHICH IS SERVED ANYTIME AND INCLUDES THE BEST MONTE CRISTOS I HAVE EVER HAD!..Great burgers and sandwiches for lunch and homemade soups and for dinner the menu includes a thick excellent ranchers steak as well as alaskan halibut and chicken cordon blue that takes up half the plate...there is a pork chop dinner served with homemade real mashed potatoes and vegetables like mama used to make..you'll swear you're dining at ahigh end establishment but with a neighborhood friendly pricetag.....this is NOT fastfood!...nothing is frozen here..everything is cooked fresh to order including meatloaf and spaghetti and meatballs!..fantastic espresso milk shakes and sundaes and fresh baked pastries made onsite daily!..this is a family owned and operated restaurant that is winning the hearts with every new customer..it is a locals favorite and growing more and more popular everyday!..since i dine there frequently (3-4 times a week) i have come to know the staff quite well and Juan Alvarez aka JUNIOR is the executive chef...he lovingly oversees every dish that comes out of his kitchen with pride...he has a wonderful kitchen crew who sing while they cook!...this is such a happy place to go for a great meal be it breakfast, lunch or dinner..i promise you won't be disappointed!!..i (ask about Juans homemade cheesecake..it is to die for!...enjoy! read more